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Lionel Scaloni Reacts to Lionel Messi’s ‘Strange Speech’ Before World Cup Final

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Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has responded to suggestions that Lionel Messi’s bizarre pre-World Cup final tunnel speech was an indication of any internal conflict within his squad.

La Albiceleste were bidding to add a fourth star to their shirt in New Jersey on Sunday, but were ultimately beaten by a better Spain side. Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time red card was the turning point, as La Roja went on to dominate extra time and eventually find the decisive goal courtesy of Ferran Torres.

Discourse around Argentina’s aggressive approach has been rife since the showdown in the United States, while there has also been speculation about disharmony in the South American nation’s dressing room.

Footage emerged of Messi delivering a pep talk to his teammates in the MetLife tunnel, and this particular video caused a stir online.

Lionel Scaloni Reacts to Lionel Messi’s Speech

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni at the 2026 World Cup REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

As Argentina emerged from the changing room inside New Jersey’s spectacular arena, Messi rallied his players to deliver a brief speech. He said:

“Come on, guys, calm down. The main thing is that we stay calm. Let’s forget everything. Let’s just play. Let’s just focus on playing, guys.”

While some suggested that this was merely a run-of-the-mill motivational pre-match pep talk from Messi, others felt its tone was off. Some speculated that the playmaker stating that ‘everything’ needed to be forgotten suggested something untoward had unfolded in the dressing room just moments prior.

This theory was further fuelled by Argentina’s approach in the game, which was far from calm. Fernandez was sent off for recklessness, while several Argentine players lost their heads at the full-time whistle.

However, speaking to journalists back in Buenos Aires, Scaloni dismissed these suggestions.

“I don’t look at social media. I don’t know anything. I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said when asked about the video.

When asked if there was a lack of unity or any internal conflict in his squad, Scaloni responded: “I can’t believe what you’re asking me. We’re going in a completely different direction, guys.

“The important thing is that the guys have given their all, they’ve shown character with this jersey, and we should focus on that. Hopefully, tomorrow, when a player has to come to the national team, it won’t matter. Because it’s a sign.”

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Argentina Were Simply Too Riled Up

Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after the World Cup final loss vs Spain Argentina’s Lionel Messi via REUTERS/Lee Smith

There have been some suggestions that the reason for the overly emotional tunnel footage is that Messi had just revealed to his teammates that the game in New Jersey would be his last ever in an Argentina shirt.

While this hasn’t been confirmed, if it is true, it arguably had the reverse effect to what Messi might’ve hoped. The Inter Miami star likely wanted to motivate his players to play for him in his final cap, but instead the announcement seemingly riled up his teammates.

There was fire in the bellies of the Argentina players, but this translated into rash and reckless decision-making, and it ultimately cost Scaloni’s team in the end.

A more measured approach may well have been the play for La Albiceleste, who let the magnitude of the occasion get to them.

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Manchester United Target Manchester City Duo David Eze and Karim Cassim

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Manchester United are prioritising a move to sign a Manchester City duo in what is part of an aggressive transfer plan.

Players moving between Manchester City and Manchester United are a rarity.

Due to the rivalry between the two sides, it’s rare that either club will allow any of their players to make the move across the city.

The most recent player to have played for both clubs is Carlos Tevez, but he didn’t directly move between United and City.

The Red Devils could be set for a busy summer transfer window as they prepare for a season in the Champions League.

Three senior signings have already arrived through the door, but we can also see United invest in their academy.

Man Utd eyeing rival duo

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026) via Reuters

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Manchester United are putting a heavy focus on acquiring Manchester City duo David Eze and Karim Cassim in the Summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that the two signings would be part of an aggressive academy recruitment drive as they look to improve the club from the bottom up.

United’s efforts to bring in academy players have been clear this summer, with Tynan Thompson already brought in for a significant fee from fellow Premier League side Tottenham.

Cristian Orozco is another who has arrived after he turned 18, and he will start with the club’s under-21s before being assessed.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Man Utd also need senior additions

Michael Carrick

Although signing young talent from around the world will be beneficial for the Red Devils, they also need to continue bringing in senior additions.

Two of their signings, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, will significantly strengthen their options, but they still need more ahead of the new season.

Qualifying for the Champions League means United’s fixture schedule next season is going to be hectic, so they’ll need a deeper squad.

In the previous campaign, Michael Carrick did well to turn things around at Old Trafford, but they were without the distraction of any European football, which undoubtedly helped.

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Celtic in Talks to Sign Striker Kasper Hogh

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Celtic have opened talks to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window as they look to improve Martin O’Neill’s squad.

O’Neill’s side lifted the Scottish Premiership title last season after a dramatic victory on the final day against Hearts, leading to the Celtic boss being appointed permanently.

It was a little too close for comfort, and Celtic will be looking to bring in reinforcements to ensure they continue dominating Scottish football.

Celtic have already secured the signing of Camilo Duran during the summer transfer window, a Colombian striker from Qarabag.

Their business for the summer doesn’t appear to be over, with their pursuit of a new striker ongoing.

Celtic lost Kelechi Iheanacho following the expiration of his contract, and he’s now joined Turkish side Bursaspor.

Celtic open striker talks

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill arrives at stadium

According to a report from Football Insider, Celtic have opened talks with Bodo/Glimt over a deal to sign striker Kasper Hogh in the summer transfer window.

O’Neill’s side are in the market for another forward in the summer, despite signing Duran, following the departure of Iheanacho.

Celtic were interested in signing Hogh in the January transfer window, but he opted to stay in Norway for the remainder of the season.

The Glasgow club have now re-opened talks over a possible move, and he could cost in the region of £7 million.

Hogh, described as ridiculous, has been in fine form for Bodo/Glimt, providing 26 goals and assists during the 25-26 campaign.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Celtic mean business this summer

Martin O'Neill looks on from the Celtic dugout

Although Celtic lifted the Scottish Premiership title last season, there’s no doubt there was plenty of room for improvement.

Now that the managerial situation has been solved, with O’Neill appointed as permanent boss, it’s an opportunity for them to have a bit of stability and invest in the summer window.

It appears that signing another striker is one of their priorities over the next few weeks, which is no surprise following the departure of Iheanacho.

There is no doubt Celtic will also be looking to strengthen in other areas of the pitch as they build a squad capable of lifting the title once again.

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‘Utterly Ridiculous’ – Alasdair Gold Reacts to Spence Price Tag at Tottenham

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Tottenham Hotspur have been reported as being open to selling Djed Spence this summer, but Football London correspondent Alasdair Gold has labelled the price tag he’s heard as ‘utterly ridiculous’.

Tottenham‘s incoming business has, unsurprisingly, slowed down in recent weeks after they made half-a-dozen signings within a month of the summer transfer window officially opening.

While Spurs continue to work on deals to bring new attackers to the club, with Manchester City winger Savinho and Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi two of their preferred targets, attention has also turned to players leaving the club.

Luka Vuskovic has joined Brighton and Hove Albion, Alfie Devine has gone to Preston North End and Radu Dragusin has gone on loan to Fiorentina, while Middlesbrough have just completed a deal worth a total of £20m to sign Will Lankshear.

They are unlikely to be the last departures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with many other players being linked with a move away from the club.

Those include captain Cristian Romero, who is more likely to leave than last season’s centre-back partner Micky van de Ven, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Ricarlison, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr.

Another player attracting interest in Djed Spence, who is just wrapped up an impressive World Cup campaign for England.

Gold: Djed Spence Price Tag is ‘Utterly Ridiculous’

Djed Spence via Reuters

Sanctioning exits for Vuskovic and Lankshear have already proven unpopular due to their potential as young players, and it could be the same for Spence.

There was a lot of uncertainty around the decision by Thomas Tuchel to include the 25-year-old in his England squad for the World Cup, but the versatile full-back was undoubtedly one of the Three Lions’ standout performers during the tournament.

Spurs signed Spence in a deal worth up to £20m in 2022, and even though he has at least three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, the price tag mooted for his signing this summer has been £25m.

It is a figure that has left Gold gobsmacked, while speaking in his latest YouTube video.

He said: “We’ll talk about Djed [Spence] a little bit and how the price tag that I’ve heard about is utterly ridiculous. I mean, utterly ridiculous.

“£25m as a price tag for him – not a chance. You’d have to be insane, Tottenham. First off, I don’t think they should sell him anyway. Have two terrific players for every position, that would be the best way to do it. But £25m, they signed him for a £20m package. He’s got three years left on his contract, and he’s just had a mega World Cup. Just no, don’t do it.”

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

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