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Lionel Messi's Argentina are gearing up to face Spain in the 2026 Finalissima, followed just days later by a friendly match against a fellow 2026 World Cup qualifier. The 2026 Finalissima, set for this March between Argentina and Spain, stands as one of the year’s most anticipated fixtures, marking the first-ever on-field meeting between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. Serving as a critical tune-up for the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni’s squad has now confirmed a second friendly against a fellow World Cup qualifier just days after the clash with Spain The historic showdown between Messi and Yamal will take place on Friday, March 27, at Lusail Stadium—the hallowed ground where Argentina secured the 2022 World Cup title. However, Argentina’s stay at Lusail will be extended; four days later, on Tuesday, March 31, they will face Qatar, another confirmed participant for the 2026 World Cup. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) officially unveiled the ‘Qatar Football Festival 2026’ via social media, detailing a high-profile slate of international matches in the Middle East. Organizers confirmed six total matches for the festival, with Argentina appearing twice. The Finalissima will be the 15th meeting between Argentina and Spain, a rivalry currently deadlocked with six wins apiece and two draws. Meanwhile, the fixture against Qatar marks only the second meeting between the two nations; Argentina won their sole previous encounter 2-0 during the 2019 Copa America. 6 heated matchesMARCH 2026 🇪🇬 V 🇸🇦: 26 March🇶🇦 V 🇷🇸: 26 March🇪🇸 V 🇦🇷: 27 March🇪🇬 V 🇪🇸 : 30 March🇸🇦 V 🇷🇸: 30 March🇶🇦 V 🇦🇷: 31 MarchFebruary 1: Launch of travel packages in partnership with Qatar Airways and Visit Qatar.February 25: Release of match tickets for sale. pic.twitter.com/YRXwQqB8Sn— The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (@RoadtoQatar_en) January 19, 2026 Beyond Argentina’s double-header, the festival features four additional marquee matchups: Saudi Arabia vs. Egypt and Qatar vs. Serbia on Thursday, March 26, followed by Egypt vs. Spain and Serbia vs. Saudi Arabia on Monday, March 30. Argentina gear up for 2026 World Cup defense Argentina’s primary objective in 2026 is clear: to defend the world title they secured in Qatar in 2022. To that end, Lionel Messi and company will utilize the Finalissima and a series of friendlies as the cornerstone of their tournament preparation. Following the November international window—which saw Lionel Scaloni’s squad face Angola in a celebratory match marking the 50th anniversary of the African nation’s independence—Argentina’s schedule for the crucial March window is now set. The team will travel to the Middle East for the ‘Qatar Football Festival,’ headlined by the showdown against Spain. Furthermore, the Albiceleste will have one final preparation window in June, immediately preceding the World Cup opener. While the AFA has yet to finalize the venues, reports from TyC Sports indicate that Argentina are set to face Mexico and Honduras on U.S. soil. These matches will serve as the final tune-up before the team settles into its base camp—likely in Kansas City—to begin the most important competition in world soccer.

Phillies president Dave Dombrowski explained how close Philadelphia came to signing Bo Bichette before he chose the New York Mets, offering a candid look at the talks and the club’s outlook moving forward. The Philadelphia Phillies entered the offseason confident they could land a top bat like Bo Bichette. Talks seemed to be moving in their favor, but a late shift changed the course of their winter plans. The Phillies were forced to pivot from anticipation to reflection. The front office, led by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, faced questions not only about what went wrong, but about how the organization would respond after missing on a player widely viewed as a franchise-altering talent. That clarity arrived publicly when Bob Nightengale reported on X that Dombrowski acknowledged just how close the Phillies came to completing a deal for Bo Bichette, calling the outcome “a gut punch” and confirming that negotiations were far more advanced than previously known. Phillies address Bo Bichette miss “I did think we were going to get a deal done… We were close… It was a gut punch. But until you have a signed memo of understanding, you don’t have a deal,” Dombrowski said, underscoring how narrow the margin ultimately was before Bichette chose to sign with the New York Mets. Bo Bichette rounds the bases. Patrick Smith/Getty Images Despite the disappointment, the Phillies’ baseball operations chief was quick to strike a confident tone regarding the roster already in place. “I still feel great about our club,” Dombrowski added, signaling that the organization does not view the missed opportunity as a setback capable of altering its competitive outlook. When asked whether the club might respond by pursuing another marquee free agent, Dombrowski offered a measured response that suggested stability over urgency. “We’re content where we are,” he said, indicating that Philadelphia is comfortable entering the season without making a reactionary splash.

As Cody Bellinger looms closer to a decision, a report hints the New York Yankees and New York Mets have one less MLB suitor to worry about. With the race for Cody Bellinger entering its home stretch, the New York Yankees and New York Mets are on the lookout for any undetected threat to land the star outfielder and first baseman. According to a report around MLB, there is one World Series contender they have nothing to worry about. After missing out on Kyle Tucker and letting Bo Bichette go, the Toronto Blue Jays are expected to make a big move to right their wrongs this MLB offseason. However, it looks like sneaking in and signing Bellinger away from the Yankees and Mets is not part of the plan in The Six. “The Jays haven’t appeared particularly interested in the 29-year-old free agent this winter. It seems unlikely the Jays will suddenly become intrigued enough to beat the Yankees’ current offer,” as reported by The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon. Not going after Bellinger doesn’t necessarily mean the Blue Jays are staying put with their current lineup. Instead, Toronto could resort to the trade market in MLB to find its much needed help to get over the hump. However, with the rest of the league well aware of the urgency in Hogtown, it might cost the Blue Jays an arm and a leg to get anything done. Cody Bellinger, at the center of the offseason chase. Where things stand Amid the Yankees and Mets’ interest, Bellinger’s decision timing has been revealed, which will only increase the pressure for the two organizations in New York. Now, the Bronx Bombers and the Orange and Blue may truly be engaged in a two-team race against the clock. Will one side abandon its current stance and budge to Bellinger’s demands, or will the 30-year-old lower his standards and sign a more team-friendly deal? Only time will tell—and reports suggest that’s exactly what is running short for both insomnia-driven MLB clubs in the City That Never Sleeps. Bellinger race between Mets and Yankees Unless Toronto changes its mind on a whim, the Subway Series will get an early test in the offseason. And even if the Blue Jays are in, the Yankees’ offer for Bellinger could pose a significant threat. The Mets and Yankees continue to knock on Bellinger’s door, hoping this time the two-time All-Star has accepted the offers on the table. If not, the status quo will persist.

The Boston Red Sox are generating significant buzz with their offseason activities, particularly following reports of a high-profile acquisition from the Houston Astros. With the Boston Red Sox striving to add another top-tier player to their roster, rumors have emerged about a potential blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros. This deal, if realized, could prove beneficial for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season, having already made significant roster enhancements. A report from a Houston Radio Show suggests that the Red Sox and Astros are negotiating a trade involving Isaac Paredes and Jarren Duran. Under this proposed deal, Boston would acquire Paredes and Bryan Abreu, while Houston would add Duran to its lineup for the next season. Anticipation is mounting around this potential blockbuster trade, which could significantly impact the Astros. Having signed Tatsuya Imai to fill the void left by Framber Valdez, adding Duran could further bolster their chances of achieving a standout performance next season. On the flip side, the Red Sox stand to gain with the addition of Paredes and Abreu, two players poised to enhance a roster already strengthened by the acquisition of former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez. Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros looks on. Red Sox’s reported players of interest The Red Sox have identified two players, also courted by other franchises like the New York Yankees, as key priorities for the upcoming season. With Alex Bregman now a Chicago Cub, the team is reportedly willing to entertain offers for Nico Hoerner, while the St. Louis Cardinals may consider moving Brendan Donovan. These two players are reportedly of significant interest to the Red Sox, yet they face stiff competition from other franchises. This context underlines the importance of the proposed Astros trade, although reports suggest its realization may be unlikely due to Houston’s reluctance to part with certain assets. As training camps approach, the Red Sox remain eager to secure an impactful addition to their roster. Fan expectations are mounting, fueled by promising names already in the mix, offering hope for a successful season ahead.

Tottenham take on Borussia Dortmund in the League stage Matchday 7 of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League. Find here the kickoff times and how to watch the game on TV or via streaming in the USA. Tottenham will face off against Borussia Dortmund in the league stage Matchday 7 of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League. With anticipation mounting, be sure to circle the match date, note the kickoff time, and check streaming details in the USA so you don’t miss any of the live action. [Watch Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund online in the US on DAZN] Matchday 7 sets up a pivotal clash between Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham, two rivals deadlocked on points and goal difference. Dortmund, still viewed as a strong candidate for direct qualification despite a recent dip in form, remain inside the top eight and in control of their path forward. Tottenham, on the other hand, have been inconsistent during this Champions League, and their performance in the domestic competition hasn’t been the best. However, a strong result here could reignite their campaign and keep their hopes of automatic advancement very much alive, so Spurs will go after it. When will the Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund match be played? Tottenham play against Borussia Dortmund this Tuesday, January 20, in the league stage Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League. The game is set to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET). Emre Can of Borussia Dortmund – Christof Koepsel/Getty Images Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund: Time by State in the USA ET: 3:00 PMCT: 2:00 PMMT: 1:00 PMPT: 12:00 PM How to watch Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund in the USA Get ready for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League clash between Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund. Catch all the action live on DAZN. Other options: Paramount+.