As the clock ticks faster, signaling the approach of the biggest football event, the eyes of football fans are turning towards the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where preparations are underway for the 2026 World Cup finals. Amid this global anticipation, Argentine star Lionel Messi has returned to the forefront of the sports scene, not with a legendary goal this time, but with a simple symbolic gesture on social media platforms, which was enough to ignite speculation about his international future.

Mysterious message via LEGO

On Saturday, the Argentine captain posted a photo and video on his official Instagram account showcasing a World Cup trophy meticulously crafted from Lego bricks. Messi captioned the post with a brief but meaningful message: "We did it." What caught the eye most was a small figurine inside the model, wearing Argentina's iconic sky-blue and white jersey and embracing the trophy – a gesture interpreted by millions of his followers as a subtle message confirming Messi's desire to defend his country's title in the upcoming World Cup.

Between recovery and World Cup ambition

This controversial digital appearance comes at a time when the Inter Miami star is undergoing a period of recovery, carefully balancing physical rest with mental relaxation. Messi recently suffered a minor strain in his left hamstring during a friendly match, prompting the medical staff to rest him and postpone his participation in subsequent friendlies. This cautious approach is interpreted as a long-term strategy to keep the legend fit for an exceptional year, as he seeks to avoid any risks that could jeopardize his career in its final stages.

Qatar's 2022 legacy and the challenge of the new edition

This event cannot be separated from its recent historical context, as fans still vividly remember Argentina's triumph at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the missing piece in Messi's illustrious career. With the new format of the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, the challenges and excitement are even greater. The tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, will be played in 12 groups, opening the door to major upsets and opportunities for ambitious teams.

Argentina's group and a date with history

According to the current tournament schedule, Argentina will compete in Group J, alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. This lineup presents Messi and his teammates with a diverse array of footballing styles, ranging from European powerhouses to ambitious Arab and African teams. The most pressing question on everyone's mind is: will North American stadiums be the stage for Messi's final act, marking the end of an unparalleled footballing saga? Only time will tell.

In notable remarks reflecting the success of Saudi players' professional experience in European leagues, the manager of French club Lens praised the rising and outstanding performances of Saudi international full-back Saud Abdulhamid. The manager emphasized that the player has become a key pillar of the team, demonstrating complete and exemplary adaptation to the demanding requirements of European football, both in terms of professionalism and discipline, as well as his technical and tactical management of major matches.

Praise for professionalism and commitment

Lens' coach stated in recent media interviews that Saud Abdulhamid is "a fantastic player who perfectly fits what we're looking for in the team," emphasizing that what distinguishes Saud is not only his technical skills but also his professional mentality. He pointed out that Saud's complete commitment in training and his continuous work to improve himself directly contributed to giving him the opportunity to prove his worth, reflecting the player's strong desire to make a real impact in the French league.

Seizing opportunities and engaging in fair competition

Speaking about the challenges the player faced, the coach explained that the road wasn't easy, as Ruben Aguilar was the first-choice right-back for a while. However, Saud Abdulhamid didn't give up or lose his enthusiasm; instead, he continued to work hard and quietly until the long-awaited opportunity came after Aguilar's injury. Saud then demonstrated an exceptional ability to fill the void and shoulder the responsibility, delivering a performance that earned the praise of both the coaching staff and the fans.

Turning point and new horizons

The coach added that this period marked a true turning point in the player's professional career, as his horizons broadened and his potential became more apparent to everyone, a clear indication of the growing confidence Saud Abdulhamid currently enjoys within the French club. This development reflects the player's footballing maturity and his ability to adapt to the various conditions and pressures imposed by the top five European leagues.

Positive impact on Saudi football

This brilliance holds special significance that extends beyond the confines of the French club, as Saud Abdulhamid's success serves as an inspiring model for Saudi players capable of excelling in international competitions. The participation of Saudi players in strong European leagues like the French league directly contributes to raising the technical level of the Saudi national team. These players return with valuable tactical and physical experience that will benefit the "Green Falcons" in upcoming international and continental tournaments, thus enhancing the standing of Saudi football on the global stage.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has put an end to the speculation surrounding the fate of the 36th edition of the continental tournament, confirming that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as scheduled in the three East African nations of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This official announcement on Friday refutes all recent press reports and speculations suggesting a possible postponement to 2028 due to concerns about the readiness of the host countries' infrastructure.

A firm commitment to exceptional organization in the east of the continent

Following a crucial meeting of the Executive Committee, Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), stated: “We have worked tirelessly to bring the Africa Cup of Nations to East Africa, and our commitment to hosting the tournament there remains unwavering.” Motsepe added, expressing his complete confidence in the joint bid: “I believe we will organize a very successful tournament in all three countries. CAF will work closely with the host nations to ensure that every aspect of the tournament, from infrastructure to logistics, meets the highest international standards.”.

The importance of the event and its historical context

This confirmation holds significant strategic importance for African football, as hosting the tournament in the East African region (CECAFA) represents a historic step towards breaking the dominance of the North and West African regions in hosting the continent's biggest event. The joint bid from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, known as the "Pamoja" bid, is seen as a golden opportunity to develop the region's sports infrastructure, boost tourism, and drive economic growth through investment in stadiums, transportation networks, and hotels.

Timing challenges and the Kenyan elections

Despite official assurances, logistical challenges remain regarding the tournament's timing. While the exact dates have not yet been finalized, the continental federation has tentatively selected June and July for the competition. This timing, just one month before Kenya's general elections scheduled for August, has raised security and organizational concerns.

In this context, Nicholas Musonye, ​​head of the local organizing committee in Kenya, expressed a different viewpoint, indicating that postponing the tournament to 2028 would have been “good for Kenya given the volatile atmosphere surrounding these elections, and therefore security would not be guaranteed for a major event like the Africa Cup of Nations.” However, CAF’s decision was decisive in adhering to the original date.

Focus on developing arbitration and integrity

On another note, Motsepe emphasized that CAF will continue to invest in training and development programs for referees and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials to ensure the integrity of the game remains a top priority. These statements come amidst criticism of refereeing during the previous edition (the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations) in Morocco, specifically in the dramatic final match between the host nation and Senegal. Senegal's players briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a penalty decision before returning to claim the title – a scenario CAF is keen to avoid repeating by improving the efficiency of its refereeing system.