Miguel Herrera supports Rafael Márquez as Tri coach

Javier “Chicharito” Hernández came out against the accusations of Argentine journalists Hugo Balassone and Gonzalo Bonadeo. The now FOX Sports analyst denied having said that the Argentines “are world champions, but very bad people.”

“I never said that. I only said it in the singular towards that rude ‘journalist’. Nothing was against Argentina, but about the behavior of that person,” he wrote on Instagram.

The former Chivas forward accompanied his message with photos from his coverage of the 2026 World Cup, including the round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at the Atlanta Stadium.

The origin of the conflict

Balassone revealed that he had an exchange of words with Hernández during that match. He accused him of insinuating that Argentina “stole” and “received arbitration aid” against Egypt. Bonadeo, for his part, stated live that Hernández described the Argentines as “very bad people.”

But Hernández clarified it: “They want to invent that I hate Argentines. I have great affection for Argentina and great friends there.”

“A bad experience with one person never represents an entire country. Generalizing only distances us from the truth,” he added.

The former soccer player closed with a conciliatory message: “Rivalry can stay on the field. Respect must remain off it.”

The match in question ended 3-2 in favor of Argentina, with goals from Cuti Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández. The Egyptian coach, Hossam Hassan, denounced refereeing “injustice”, criticizing the VAR for not signaling a penalty and disallowing a goal.

Argentina will face Switzerland on July 11 for a ticket to the semifinals.

A memory with real grass

FIFA has put up for sale fragments of the grass that will be used in the 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Each piece costs $450.

According to the agency’s official store, the segment measures 17.5 by 17.5 by 17.5, although it does not specify whether they are inches, centimeters or millimeters. FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.

“Own an authentic piece of football history with a genuine fragment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup pitch, permanently preserved in premium acrylic with a USB memory,” the sales page states.

The product includes an authenticity film and is delivered in a premium box. Only ships to addresses in the United States and Europe, and orders will be shipped after the final.

Criticism of the field and the tickets

Players and coaches have pointed out problems with the quality of the MetLife field, which routinely uses artificial turf for the New York Giants’ NFL games. FIFA has also been questioned for the high ticket prices: regular tickets for the final reach $32,970, while hospitality packages cost between $32,500 and $34,500.

The tournament will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and the sale of the grass seeks to offer a collector’s item to fans, although it has also generated debate about the commercial approach of the event.

Argentina reaches the quarterfinals of the World Cup after two agonizing victories. They beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16, coming back from 2-0 in 13 minutes, the same score as against Cape Verde in the previous round. The Albiceleste has walked to the limit, but coach Lionel Scaloni recognizes that they must improve.

“We are good, but we probably have to improve because they scored four goals against us in the last two games,” said defender Cristian Romero.

On Saturday in Kansas City, Argentina faces Switzerland, the only non-European team still in the tournament. Switzerland has never reached the World Cup semi-finals; Their last time in the quarterfinals was in 1954. Despite the difference in scores, Swiss captain Granit Xhaka warns: “Tomorrow there will be talk on the field.”

Doubts in the eleven

Two positions are still up for debate: right back (Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel) and center forward (Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez). Against Egypt, Molina was singled out, but Montiel improved the offense. In attack, Álvarez does not convert, while Lautaro assisted on the winning goal. Scaloni avoids aligning them together from the beginning for balance.

Messi, the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, has 21 in World Cups and has scored in six straight elimination games. He missed two penalties in this World Cup, but it will be his decision if he kicks again.

The Swiss defense

Switzerland has only conceded three goals in five games. The defense, with Xhaka, Akanji, Freuler, Elvedi and goalkeeper Kobel, neutralized Colombia in the round of 16 until penalties. Argentina has no physical casualties; Switzerland misses Johan Mazambi due to injury.

The weather in Kansas City will be warm, with 30°C and a low chance of rain. The winner will face either Norway or England in the semi-finals.