Argentina and Spain clash for the world title in New Jersey

The Father of All Classics returns to the scene

This Thursday the Apertura 2026 of Liga MX starts. The one in charge of opening the season is the duel between Necaxa and Atlante, two teams that represent the longest rivalry in Mexican soccer.

The return of the Iron Colts to the First Division could not have a better scenario: against the Rayos, their historic rival. The meeting revives the so-called “Father of All Classics”.

Félix Fernández, former Barça goalkeeper and now a Fox Sports analyst, described the duel as a compliment for the Atlantistas.

“In the return of Atlante – after 12 years – to the First Division, the fact that Necaxa welcomes us – in Aguascalientes – is a compliment. This possibility of returning against a team with which memorable confrontations were resumed in the 90s is good,” commented Fernández.

The former goalkeeper described that time as a very passionate and family rivalry, with full stadiums and enthusiastic fans. Regarding this Thursday’s game, he described it as “very atypical” and difficult to predict, due to the losses that both teams have suffered.

The last time they saw each other in the top circuit was on April 16, 2011. That day they signed a 1-1 draw that sent Necaxa to promotion, then the second category. Therefore, tonight’s meeting has a special flavor.

Both teams arrive with renewed squads. Los Rayos will look to start on the right foot at home, while Atlante will try to show that their return is to stay.

Controversy over message on the playing field

Atlanta, USA.- A group of Argentine soccer players showed a banner with the legend “The Malvinas are Argentine” after beating England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal. The blanket was held by Giovani Lo Celso, Nicolás Otamendi and other players while the rest of the team celebrated with the fans.

Before the match, Argentina’s Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva had warned that flags with allusions to the Falklands would not be allowed, citing FIFA’s code of conduct that prohibits politically divisive content. The warning generated criticism on social networks in Buenos Aires.

England has maintained control of the islands since the 1982 war. Argentina claims the territory, which it considers part of its national identity. The United Kingdom maintains that the islanders prefer the current status.

The day before, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni had asked not to link the match with the conflict:

“It’s a football game. What can we do with everything that happened years ago? It’s useless, it’s sad. A lot has been suffered and it’s crazy. I’m not here to add more gasoline to the fire. Everything else was a very sad story to remove. We have memory and we remember it.”

The gesture of the players revived the debate on the intersection between sport and politics, in a meeting that already carried a strong symbolic load.

England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, despite leading until the final minutes. Coach Thomas Tuchel tried to protect the lead with defensive changes, but Lionel Messi dismantled the plan with two masterful assists.

Argentina equalized in the 85th minute through Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez sealed the comeback in the second minute of added time. The South American team advanced to the final against Spain.

“They won every ball from above. That’s why we went to a line of five to close spaces,” explained Tuchel. “The responsibility falls on the coach. If it doesn’t go well, it’s easy to say it was wrong.”

England took the lead with a goal from Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, but Argentina reacted immediately. Tuchel replaced Reece James with Dan Burn and Declan Rice with Nico O’Reilly in the 82nd minute. Minutes later the goals arrived.

“We played a good game for the most part. Once up, it seemed like we were just trying to hold on. At this level that’s not enough,” declared Harry Kane, visibly affected.

Fernández took advantage of a pass from Messi to shoot from outside the area. The ball beat Jordan Pickford. Then, Martínez headed in a cross from Messi himself to end the duel.

“They got tired after 60 minutes of pressure. They found the goal and went back. That gave us peace of mind to move the ball and widen the field,” explained Lautaro Martínez.

The English defeat is only the second time in the century that the team that scored first in the World Cup semifinals does not reach the final, according to data from Opta. The previous one was also England, in 2018 against Croatia.