Lionel Messi is heartbroken over his father's death ... admitting he has no idea how to move forward without him -- on and off the pitch.
Jorge Messi -- who also served as Lionel's agent -- passed away in Argentina last weekend after battling an illness ... and the soccer superstar shared a heartfelt goodbye on social media.
"Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone," Lionel said. "It hasn’t sunk in, or rather, I don’t want it to. It’s very difficult for me to imagine that I won’t see you anymore, that we won’t talk anymore. I know you were suffering and that it’s for the best, but you left too soon. We still had so much to enjoy together."
The Union of European Football Associations is drawing a line in the sand ... with all 55 of its members agreeing to boycott FIFA over a proposal to put the World Cup in the hands of private investors.
UEFA shared a strong statement on Thursday ... saying, "The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino detailed the plan to raise $20 billion through the sale of a stake in the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprises, which would essentially operate the World Cup and influence future tournament plans.
Bruce Buffer has announced some of the biggest events on the planet -- from The White House to the World Cup (and that's just this summer) -- but there’s still one missing from his résumé.
The legendary "Veteran Voice of the Octagon" stopped by TMZ on Wednesday ... and told Michael J. Babcock the one gig he's still dying to land.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
"I think the bucket list now is, I've had the Super Bowl commercial. I did the Budweiser Super Bowl commercial. I did Super Bowl week introducing the 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs a couple years ago in Vegas at the big event they had at Allegiant [Stadium], but I haven't been on the field for the Super Bowl yet."
Everyone's favorite World Cup superstar is celebrating his 26th trip around the sun ... and Erling Haaland says he's feeling a ton of love on his birthday -- 'cause his life has changed forever!!
The Norwegian striker hopped on a yacht with his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, and friends this week ... and it was all in honor of the birthday boy.
There was plenty of good food, vibes, and some golf ... and Haaland even rocked a viking hat at one point. They then wound up at a day club, where the athlete was spotted jamming out at the DJ booth.
Spain celebrated its second World Cup after a thrilling victory over Argentina on Sunday ... and thousands of miles away, the REAL fiesta was going down in the streets!!
Countless Furia Roja supporters soaked in the 1-0 result and their first championship since 2010 with a massive public gathering ... with fireworks, flares, drinks, and more.
4:00 PM PT -- President Trump got an encore of boos after the final whistle ... as he made his way onto the field for the World Cup trophy presentation. Take a listen.
Waiting for your permission to load the Twitter Tweet.
President Trumpcame to the FIFA World Cup Final expecting to help hand out the gold hardware ... but fans first handed him a red-card reception.
Waiting for your permission to load the Twitter Tweet.
POTUS was met with a chorus of boos Sunday when his face flashed across the stadium screens moments after Jennifer Hudsonperformed the national anthem ahead of Spain and Argentina’s championship clash.
Check out the video ... Trump stood beside First Lady Melania Trumpas the crowd made its feelings known -- and the broadcast quickly swapped the presidential close-up for an aerial shot of MetLife Stadium.
A BBC commentator was anything but "Happy" with his celebrity identification skills during the World Cup Final ... mistaking Pharrellfor A$AP Rocky -- and somehow bungling Rocky's name in the process.
The hilarious flub came about 15 minutes into Sunday's showdown between Spain and Argentina ... when cameras cut to Pharrell sitting in the stands at MetLife Stadium.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
BBC play-by-play man Guy Mowbray took a crack at identifying him, saying ... "I think that is AKA Rocky" ... before quickly correcting himself, "Or A$AP Rocky, sorry."
Yeah ... closer on the name, still miles off on the man. Rocky was seated alongside baby mama Rihanna while rapper Future and New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson also were in the same suite.
Spain just won the FIFA World Cup over Argentina in epic fashion … needing every minute and then some to clinch a 1-0 win and spoil what was very likely Lionel Messi's last match in the tournament.
Spain was quick to get the heart rates up early in the contest at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday … with two close opportunities from superstar Lamine Yamal, but the defending champions were able to protect their goal.
Waiting for your permission to load the Twitter Tweet.
Despite plenty of action, both sides went into the first hydration break without getting on the board … and they weren’t shy about getting chippy in the process.
The FIFA World Cup Final went full Super Bowl Sunday ... trotting out a halftime show stacked with music royalty, soccer legends, and even a couple guys from "Ted Lasso."
Waiting for your permission to load the Twitter Tweet.
Madonnakicked off the spectacle alongside Brazilian soccer icons Ronaldinhoand Ronaldo... before the gang from "Sesame Street" got the stadium chanting with a rendition of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army."
Waiting for your permission to load the Twitter Tweet.
BTS then lit up the field with their smash hit "Dynamite" ... but the substitutions were only getting started.
Spain and Argentina are battling for World Cup glory ... but the stars in the stands are putting on a show of their own.
A ridiculous number of famous faces packed MetLife Stadium for Sunday's FIFA World Cup final -- so be sure to click through the gallery to see who scored the hottest ticket in town.
Driving to the stadium is sooo the 2022 World Cup!
If you've got a spare milly burning a hole in your pocket, and you're interested in travelling and partying in style, Medium Rare is selling the most ridiculous 7-figure World Cup party package we've seen!
You and nine of your closest (very rich) friends get access to Sports Illustrated S.I. Beyond The Pitch at Cipriani Wall Street on Saturday -- a party hosted by none other than 50 Cent and Diplo -- the night before the big game.
Don't consume too many adult beverages, 'cause Sunday's a big day.
President Trump won't be tuning in to the FIFA World Cup Final from the White House family room ... POTUS will be in the building for the biggest sporting event on the planet!
The Commander in Chief will be in New Jersey on Sunday for the highly anticipated clash between Argentina and Spain, which Karoline Leavittconfirmed from the Briefing Room podium on Thursday.
The W.H. Press Secretary said it was a "fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America's ability to host the world on the grandest stage."
The Norwegian soccer superstar got wind of Spider-Man talking about the failed hangout attempt on the "Tonight Show" earlier this week ... and there's a happy ending here, 'cause Haaland's down!!
"Dinner invitation accepted @tomholland2013," Haaland said in the comment section of the show's Instagram post. "A little late 😅 Just name the place!"
Argentina is headed back to the FIFA World Cup final after pulling off a comeback for the ages against England ... and the photos from Wednesday's game in Atlanta capture every glorious -- and gut-wrenching -- second.
Check out the gallery ... Lionel Messiand Co. erupted after scoring in the 85th and 92nd minute to roar back for a dramatic a 2-1 victory, leaving England's players and fans stunned.
Argentina now faces Spain in Sunday's final in New Jersey ... where the defending champs will try to become the first country to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
It's not all bad for England ... they get to go down to Miami and play France in Saturday's third-place match.
This World Cup has shaped up to be arguably the biggest sporting event of all time, with 3 host nations, 16 cities, 48 teams, 104 matches, and six billion viewers around the globe ... and big events mean bigger auctions ... like this one from Christie's.
Beginning on July 22 ... fans around the world can register to bid on signed jerseys, signed game balls, and Shakira's outfit from the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show!
For starters ... one of the items in this auction is this team-signed USA World Cup 2026 jersey! But, you better Balo-gun it to your wallet ... because the bids are sure to kick off strong.
