Spain World Champions, Messi in the Shadows: Modrić and Vardar Carry the Balkan Flag

Spain Lifted the World Cup, and Messi Left Quietly

The final in New Jersey was not a spectacle - it was suffocation. Spain beat Argentina 1:0 and became world champions for the second time, on a goal by Ferran Torres in extra time. Eight matches, only one goal conceded - Spain's defence was a wall nobody at the tournament managed to break down. And the story everyone was waiting for never came: Messi was silenced for the full 90 minutes and left the tournament in the exact way he least wanted, in the shadows. If anyone hoped the grand finale of his story would settle the debate over who is the greatest of all time - the debate stays open, just now with a different conclusion. Argentina, meanwhile, finished with yet another red card in a final, this time Enzo Fernández, the third player in their history sent off in a World Cup final. Discipline that costs trophies.

FIFA Opens Case Against Argentina After Chaos on the Pitch

When the whistle blew, instead of handshakes - a brawl. FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings over the scenes that darkened Spain's celebration. At the centre of the investigation is Leandro Paredes, sent off for violent conduct after the final whistle had already gone, while Nahuel Molina and assistant Roberto Ayala are also under scrutiny. FIFA will also review the Argentine team's behaviour during the trophy presentation - several players reportedly turned their backs while Spain lifted the cup. For a side that had already been warned over a political banner after the semi-final against England, this is a second blow in the same week. The win stays with Spain, but the story afterward says more about the loser than the winner.

Belgium Fires Rudi García After the Disappointment

The "Red Devils" came to the US with a squad meant to go far, and finished in the quarter-finals - and someone had to pay. Rudi García will not continue as Belgium's head coach, the Belgian federation confirmed. His contract was expiring at the end of July anyway, but the manner of the send-off speaks for itself. Belgium started palely, with draws against Egypt and Iran, escaped with a dramatic comeback against Senegal from two goals down in the 86th minute, then fell to future champions Spain 2:1. García drew the most criticism for the decision to substitute the injured Thibaut Courtois right against Spain - the keeper suggested he could carry on, but the coach did not want players who were not 100% fit. In the end, the players were not fit, and the result did not come either.

Modrić Stays in Milan - At 40 He Still Makes the Difference

While the world talked about the end of Messi, another Balkan veteran quietly carried his story on. Luka Modrić will wear the red-and-black shirt next season too - the Croatian midfielder has reached an agreement with Milan to extend the partnership until 30 June 2027, with only the last details left before the signature. He arrived at "San Siro" at an age when most are already retired, and in his first season played 34 matches, scored two goals and recorded three assists. His importance was clearest by his absence: while he was on the pitch, Milan were in the race for the Champions League, but after his injury the team dropped out of the elite zone. The Balkans know how to make footballers who do not know how to grow old - Modrić is the living proof.

Vardar Hosts Riga - A Resit for the Macedonian Champions

While the big names split the trophies, here at home we play for something humbler but no less important. Vardar tomorrow, on their 79th birthday, host Latvia's Riga in Skopje, in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Conference League (kick-off at 20:00). For coach Kristijan Fabiani this is a resit after elimination from the Champions League, but he will have to do without experienced centre-back Darko Velkovski, who was injured in the duel with Finland's KuPS and is on a special regime. Argentine Torres is also injured, while Mislav Matić plays with a fracture and a special brace. The opponent isn't at full strength either - Riga also dropped out of Champions League qualifying, at the hands of Armenia's Ararat. So: two wounded sides, one stake - who gets to restore their honour in Europe.