Hot football news noon 18/6: Messi confirms farewell to World Cup

The Vietnamese national team is targeting to retain the Southeast Asian crown, as the 2026 World Cup sees interesting tales about Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and an active summer transfer window.

Vietnam's goal at ASEAN Championship 2026

VFF leaders have high expectations for the Vietnamese team at ASEAN Championship 2026 with a minimum goal of reaching the final, thereby continuing to affirm their top status in Southeast Asia. VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu said he still feels the same emotions about the ASEAN Championship 2024 victory on Thai soil and hopes that coach Kim Sang-sik and his players will successfully defend the regional crown.

To prepare for the tournament, the Vietnam team will gather from June 22, then go to South Korea for training and play three international friendlies. After returning home, they will have a friendly match with Myanmar before starting their ASEAN Championship 2026 campaign with an opening game against Timor Leste on July 24. With thorough preparation, the reigning champions are aiming for a successful campaign.

Le Giang Patrik and "a dream come true"

After many years of waiting, overseas Vietnamese goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik finally received a call-up to the Vietnam national team under coach Kim Sang-sik for the FIFA Days and ASEAN Championship 2026. The goalkeeper, born in 1992, will join the squad on June 22 in Hanoi, marking a special milestone in his career after a successful season with CA TP.HCM, where he contributed greatly to the National Cup 2025/26 championship.

Sharing about his first time wearing the Vietnam national team shirt, Patrik did not hide his emotion, affirming that a dream has become reality and expressing his desire to give his all for the national colors. He also showed respect for colleagues such as Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Filip, while emphasizing that he will focus on improving himself rather than comparing. Patrik's arrival is expected to add depth and competition to the goalkeeper position of the Vietnam team at ASEAN Championship 2026.

Fans focus on Ronaldo, chant Messi's name

Cristiano Ronaldo had a forgettable opening day at the 2026 World Cup as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo. In the match marking his sixth World Cup appearance, the 41-year-old superstar was almost invisible with only 25 touches and no shots on target.

After the final whistle, social media erupted as many DR Congo fans chanted in unison "Messi, Messi" as Ronaldo left the field into the tunnel. CR7 did not react, only silently walked away in disappointment. Meanwhile, DR Congo caused a big surprise by earning a historic point in their return to the World Cup after 52 years.

Messi confirms he will not participate in the 2030 World Cup

Lionel Messi continued to shine brilliantly, scoring a hat-trick to help Argentina defeat Algeria 3-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. At age 38, Messi became the first player in history to appear in six World Cups, while also raising his total tournament goals to 16, tying Miroslav Klose's record.

However, the focus after the match was his statement about the future. When asked about the possibility of playing in the 2030 World Cup, Messi replied briefly: "No, no, definitely not." This statement almost confirms that the 2026 World Cup will be the last time fans witness the Argentine legend competing on the biggest stage. For Messi, records are now just rewards on the journey to close a World Cup chapter spanning two decades.

Transfer news

The summer 2026 transfer market is heating up with a series of notable deals. Raphinha is reportedly receiving a huge offer from Al Hilal and could leave Barcelona after the 2026 World Cup. If that happens, Marcus Rashford is likely to return to the Catalan club's target list.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have beaten Newcastle United to trigger the release clause of young talent Victor Munoz. In another development, Chelsea are pushing ahead with plans to sign goalkeeper Diogo Costa from Porto. Real Madrid are reportedly ready to let Aurelien Tchouameni leave, opening an opportunity for Manchester United to strengthen their midfield.