Brazil and Argentina on same side of the World Cup bracket

Brazil and Argentina on a collision course

Argentina and Brazil are now on the same side of the World Cup bracket, and if both keep winning, they meet in the semifinals (6). Ecuador booked their place in the round of 32 on Thursday, locking in the first confirmed match-up on that side of the draw. Canada and South Africa are also in this half. A superclásico semifinal is the game everyone will be circling.

Messi turns 39 with the squad in Kansas City

Leo Messi celebrated his 39th birthday with his Argentina teammates on Wednesday. The party in Kansas City featured a custom cake, personalised shirts, and tributes from the squad (5). The next day, he was back at training, one goal away from the all-time men's World Cup record.

Spanish press: avoid Argentina at all costs

Spanish journalists covering Spain at this World Cup agree on one thing, you do not want to face Argentina. Their praise for Messi's current level has been effusive, with reporters expressing genuine surprise at the form he is carrying into this tournament (7). The same outlets are also tracking Lamine Yamal's performances closely.

Almada's window: Atlético ready to sell

Thiago Almada could be on the move this summer. Atlético Madrid are willing to sell, and his performances at this World Cup are effectively a live shop window (2). Against Austria on Saturday, he has another chance to drive his price up.

Who waits in the round of 32

Olé ran an AI model to project Argentina's most likely opponent in the round of 32. Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia are the candidates, and the interactive tool lets you plug in results to see who emerges (1) (3). The picture will sharpen fast once the group stage wraps.

Nico Paz and Julián Álvarez, Real Madrid's Argentina puzzle

The Managing Madrid podcast spent time this week on Nico Paz's situation and what comes next for Julián Álvarez (4). No resolution yet, but the conversation is picking up as both players feature prominently in Argentina's World Cup run.