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River Plate sign Aníbal Moreno and Fausto Vera

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River Plate continued their transfer-market activity ahead of the 2026 season by securing the signings of Aníbal Moreno and Fausto Vera, reinforcing the midfield as requested by head coach Marcelo Gallardo.

River reached an agreement with Palmeiras to acquire 100 percent of Moreno’s transfer rights in a deal reported to be close to $7 million. The midfielder arrives after alternating between starts and substitute appearances with Palmeiras, recent runners-up in the Copa Libertadores, and is expected to compete for a regular role in River’s midfield.

While attending a charity event in Catamarca, his home province, Moreno suggested the transfer was agreed. “My agent knows we made the best decision for me, for my family, and for my future. It’s the right decision. I’m preparing well for the start of the year,” he said.

Moreno’s situation is also being followed by the Argentina national team. He recently featured in an international friendly against Puerto Rico, and consistent minutes at River could influence future selections by Lionel Scaloni ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

In parallel, River completed the signing of Fausto Vera, who arrives from Atlético Mineiro. Vera adds another option in central midfield and increases competition in a sector that the club identified as a priority after the end of the 2025 season.

Beyond the midfield, River continue to explore options in attack. One of the names being discussed is Gianluca Prestianni, currently at Benfica, with negotiations focused on a possible loan move. Another player under consideration is Tadeo Allende, whose contract belongs to Celta de Vigo after his recent season in Major League Soccer.

Nicolás González suffers muscle injury in Atlético Madrid win over Girona

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Nicolás González raised concerns on Sunday after leaving the pitch injured during Atlético de Madrid’s 3–0 away victory against Girona, in Matchday 17 of LaLiga. The Argentine winger was forced off around the half-hour mark and, shortly after the match, Atlético confirmed that he suffered a muscle tear.

The incident occurred when González attempted to chase a through ball and abruptly stopped. He immediately grabbed the back of his right leg and went down in visible pain, pointing to the hamstring area. Medical staff quickly intervened, and the forward was substituted, prompting concern on the Atlético bench and beyond.

Further medical tests are expected in the coming hours to determine the exact severity of the tear and establish a recovery timeline.

The situation is also being closely monitored by the Argentina national team coaching staff. With international fixtures ahead and the long-term focus on the 2026 World Cup, head coach Lionel Scaloni will be hoping for positive news regarding the winger’s availability.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand confirms Claudio Echeverri exit

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Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand has confirmed that Claudio Echeverri will be leaving the club.

Kasper Hjulmand spoke at a press conference and stated that Echeverri’s loan deal with the club is going to be terminated and he will be returning to Manchester City in January. The 19 year old has been rumored to join Girona on loan.

Claudio Echeverri joined Bayer Leverkusen from Manchester City but has only taken part in six league games.

Argentina vs. Spain in Finalissima confirmed for March

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Argentina against Spain in the Finalissima has been confirmed for the month of March.

The Argentina national team will play Spain on March 27 in Qatar. The official Argentina national team’s social media account has confirmed that the match will take place on March 27 in Doha, Qatar at Lusail stadium.

It will be the reigning Copa America champions against the reigning Euro champions. Lionel Scaloni’s team won the rebranded edition in 2022, winning 3-0 against Italy.

On this day three years ago, Argentina won the World Cup

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On this day three years ago, the Argentina national team won the World Cup.

December 18, 2022 was the final of the World Cup. A repeat of the Round of 16 match four years prior between Argentina and France.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni put out the following starting eleven for the match at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar:

Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez and Ángel Di María

The Argentina national team were awarded a penalty kick after Ángel Di María was tripped inside the penalty area. Lionel Messi took the penalty kick and scored in the World Cup final to give Argentina the 1-0 lead.

Minutes later, it was the goal of the World Cup as Alexis Mac Allister played the final pass to Ángel Di María who scored, once more in a final, this time in the biggest match.

Lionel Scaloni’s team were in control of the match until 10 minutes from the end. France were awarded a penalty kick, Kylian Mbappé would score it and 90 seconds later he would draw France level.

The match went to extra time and with both sides having chances to score, it was Lionel Messi who scored to give Argentina the 3-2 lead. But like the initial 2-0 lead, France would equalize.

Kylian Mbappé would score a third goal and it was 3-3 in extra time. More chances from both sides but no goals.

In one of the last kicks of the game, Randal Kolo Muani was one on one with Emiliano Martínez but his effort was saved by the Argentine who pulled off the save of the century. Mbappé had one more chance inside the penalty area but it was cleared by Paulo Dybala.

The World Cup final would go to penalty kicks. Kylian Mbappé would score his and Lionel Messi would roll the ball into the goal.

Emiliano Martínez would do what he did at the 2021 Copa America and previously at the World Cup against the Netherlands. He would make a save in the penalty shootout, saving Kingsley Coman’s effort.

Paulo Dybala would kick and score down the middle to solidify Argentina’s 2-1 lead in the shootout. Emiliano Martínez would get the ball before Aurélien Tchouaméni’s shot and he would throw it to the side, forcing Tchouaméni to go get the ball.

Tchouaméni would miss the goal as his effort would go wide and Argentina would be leading two spot kicks to one. Emiliano Martínez had played the mind games and won once more.

Leandro Paredes was next for Argentina and he would do as he did against Colombia in the penalty shootout at the 2021 Copa America and as he did in the quarter finals against the Netherlands, he would score his penalty kick. Randal Kolo Muani was next for France and he would score his penalty kick.

Gonzalo Montiel had the last penalty kick in the World Cup final. He would take it, going to the right of Hugo Lloris and Lloris would go to the left and Montiel would score.

Argentina won the 2022 World Cup and crowned Champions. Argentina made it three trophies in a year and a half and had now won three FIFA World Cups.