Since the start of the new year, we have been experimenting with different ads and locations across the Mundo Albiceleste website. And if we are being completely honest, it was time for a permanent change.
We have also been hearing and reading all of your feedbacks and are happy to announce what we believe are significant changes. The number of ads on the website have been reduced (we believe significantly) and ultimately, while the ads do help in keeping up with the maintenance of the website, we still want every one to enjoy viewing and reading the content.
Mundo Albiceleste was built by Argentina fans and for Argentina fans, which is why we believe that should remain the priority and will remain the priority.
Should you have any comments or suggestions, please, do let us know in the comments below or email us at mundoalbiceleste10@gmail.com. Our aim is to continue to improve and to provide more content (which we will continue to be doing and will be introducing new sections throughout the year) than we ever have before. And to aim for quality over quantity.
As always, your feedback is strongly appreciated. Mundo Albiceleste has been around since 2006 and we would not be where we are without the Mundo Albiceleste family.
Alexis Mac Allister spoke about Argentina’s upcoming Finalissima against Spain and the 2026 World Cup, offering an honest assessment of where the team stands.
Argentina will face Spain on March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the same venue where the Albiceleste lifted the World Cup in 2022. The match will serve as an important test ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Spain arrive as the reigning European champions, and Mac Allister did not hesitate to praise them. “Right now I see Spain above us,” he said, recognizing the level La Roja are playing at despite recent injuries and doubts in their squad.
The Liverpool midfielder also mentioned France as another top contender for the World Cup. “I think Spain and France are the two best, and we are there as well,” he explained. While he placed those two slightly ahead, he made it clear that Argentina remain among the favorites as defending world champions.
Looking specifically at the Finalissima, Mac Allister expects a difficult match. “They have very good players, they are in a very good moment, and the Finalissima will be complicated. We are confident and we will go forward,” he added.
Lionel Messi spoke for more than an hour on the podcast Miro de Atrás, hosted by his former Argentina teammate Nahuel Guzmán. In a calm and honest conversation, the Argentina captain talked about his childhood, his education, the tension with Mexico, the level of MLS, and his memories of Diego Maradona.
One of the most direct moments came when Messi admitted he regrets not focusing more on school when he was young.
“I regret many things and I tell my kids the same: get a good education, study, be prepared. Not having learned English when I was young is something I regret a lot,” Messi said. He explained that during his career he has met important people but sometimes could not fully communicate because of the language barrier. “You think, how did I waste that time?” he added.
At the same time, Messi said football also teaches important values and helps build strong relationships that last for life.
He also spoke about the tension with Mexico after the 2022 World Cup. The situation began when boxer Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez criticized Messi on social media, accusing him of disrespecting Mexico’s jersey in the locker room after Argentina’s win.
Messi said the situation was misunderstood. “It was something normal in a locker room. After a match, shirts are on the floor. There was no disrespect,” he explained. Although Canelo later apologized, the topic had already spread widely online.
Looking back at that match, Messi said Argentina felt pressure after losing to Saudi Arabia in their first game.
“We were afraid of being eliminated. We talked about everything we were playing for,” Messi said. His goal against Mexico changed the mood. “After that goal, we felt free again.”
Now playing for Inter Miami CF, Messi also shared his view on MLS and Liga MX. He said MLS teams have improved a lot and are more competitive, especially when Mexican clubs travel to the United States. However, he noted that playing in Mexico, with altitude and big crowds, still gives local teams an advantage.
When asked about Diego Maradona, Messi said Maradona had an impact on every generation. He remembered meeting him for the first time on the TV show La Noche del 10 and later working with him when Maradona coached Argentina.
To close the interview, Messi spoke about enjoying life more now. “Today I enjoy my family, my kids, the small things. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow,” he said.
Lisandro Martínez suffered a minor soleus muscle issue and did not play for Manchester United in their Premier League match against Everton on Matchday 27. The absence caused some concern among Argentina fans, but early reports bring positive news.
According to The Athletic, medical tests showed that the injury is mild. The Argentine defender is expected to return to normal training during the week. Because of this, his availability for the Finalissima against Spain on March 27 in Doha, Qatar is not in danger.
The injury is not serious, but Manchester United decided to be careful. Martínez has had a difficult year with injuries. In February, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and had surgery. He returned to official competition on November 30 in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace after several months of recovery.
Since his comeback, Martínez has been very important for United. The team’s results clearly show his impact. Manchester United have won only 7 of 18 matches without him in the starting lineup, compared to 5 wins in 9 matches when he started. He was also one of the best players in recent big wins against Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.
After returning from his knee injury, the World Cup winner admitted that the recovery process was very tough. He even said he thought about quitting football during rehab. However, he later explained that he feels physically and mentally stronger than ever thanks to the work done by the club’s medical staff.
In the heart of Doral, Miami, El Bodegón de Lucho is building something familiar for Argentines abroad: homemade food, football on the screens, and an atmosphere that feels like Buenos Aires.
“We started in November,” Pablo Helling, one of the cooks at the restaurant, told Mundo Albiceleste. “The idea behind El Bodegón de Lucho belongs to Luis. He’s from Argentina and has been working in gastronomy for several years here in the United States, in Miami.”
The concept is clear. “He took the idea of a traditional Argentine bodegón from Buenos Aires. Bodegones come from Italy, from homemade food,” Pablo explained. “So he brings that product here to Miami, combined with football — to create a place where friends get together to watch matches, especially now in a World Cup year.”
And football is everywhere inside the restaurant.
“In the decoration we have jerseys from all Argentine teams,” Pablo said. “It’s decorated with photos of Messi, Maradona, Gardel… a lot of football atmosphere.”
On Sundays, the focus is clear. “We show Boca, River, Argentine football. We have different sports TV shows from Argentina playing all the time.”
But El Bodegón de Lucho is not only about screens and nostalgia — it’s about food.
“We work with Argentine products — milanesas, different types of meats like entraña, vacío, parrilladas…” Pablo said. “Typical dishes like provoleta, milanesa napolitana, milanesa fiorentina. We also make homemade pasta.”
The response in just a few months has exceeded expectations.
“In three months, the flow of people we’ve had has been quite large,” he explained. “On social media, we started with 700 followers from a previous business account and transformed it. Today we’re close to 8,000 followers. In a short time, many objectives were achieved.”
The majority of customers are Argentine, especially given the Doral location. “About 70-80% are Argentine because of the area,” Pablo said. “Families come. Yesterday we closed with an Argentine family of 11 people. They had an excellent experience. They choose us week after week.”
But the reaction from Americans and non-Argentine Latinos has also been strong.
“That’s fantastic,” Pablo said. “Argentine gastronomy is very well regarded here, especially because of the meats. But people discover it’s not just meat — we also have homemade pasta. The evolution has always been positive, thank God.”
With the Finalissima and the 2026 World Cup approaching, the restaurant is preparing for big moments.
“The vision this year is to meet expectations in service and food production,” he said. “We’re going to share several matches with promotions. The place has full liquor, so people can enjoy a Fernet or Campari. The facilities are ready to receive the World Cup in the best way.”
Behind the project is a close-knit team led by founder Luis.
“Luis is the founder. I’m Pablo, I work as a cook,” he explained. “Luis created the menu structure and we execute it. We don’t work in a pyramid system — we follow him as the leader and execute his vision.”
The team includes Mati from Chaco, Pablo from Córdoba, Junior Alejandro from Cuba — “who adapted very well to our culture and provides extraordinary service” — and Jorge from Buenos Aires, who helps with production. They are also looking to expand the team in anticipation of larger crowds.
Looking ahead, the ambitions go beyond Doral.
“The long-term solid vision is to have several bodegones,” Pablo said. “To bring it to Kendall, South Beach, Miami Beach, Hollywood. It’s about solidifying the product and the service, and then expanding.”
For Argentines in South Florida searching for milanesa, Fernet, and a packed room singing during an Argentina match, El Bodegón de Lucho is quickly becoming that meeting point.
As Pablo put it simply: “We want people to come and experience what an Argentine bodegón is.”
Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA following a racism complaint filed by Vinícius Júnior during Benfica’s Champions League playoff match against Real Madrid.
UEFA confirmed that its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) imposed a provisional suspension after receiving a preliminary report from the Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector assigned to review the events of February 17, 2026, at the Estádio da Luz.
As a result, Prestianni will miss the second leg of the Round of 16 tie scheduled for February 25 while the investigation continues.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred after Vinícius scored for Real Madrid. The Brazilian forward informed the referee that he had been subjected to a racist insult by Prestianni. The alleged term used was “mono.” Prestianni has denied the accusation.
Benfica publicly supported their player and released video footage, stating that Real Madrid players were positioned at a distance from the alleged exchange.
Real Madrid submitted evidence to UEFA and expressed support for Vinícius. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also issued a statement backing the player and acknowledging the activation of anti-racism procedures.
UEFA stated that the provisional suspension is based on a potential “prima facie” violation of Article 14 of its Disciplinary Regulations, which addresses discriminatory conduct. The measure is preventive and does not represent a final decision.
The governing body clarified that a final ruling will be announced once the investigation is completed and all evidence has been reviewed. Until then, Prestianni is not eligible to participate in the next UEFA competition match for which he would otherwise be available.
The case remains under review, and UEFA indicated that additional information will be communicated when appropriate.
