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FIFA news: Messi's huge call on Neymar's World Cup
SEN • May 11th, 2026 12:00 pm
World Cup 2026 Weekly news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as we countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has named legendary forward Neymar in his provisional World Cup squad.
While FIFA will name be publishing each nation's early teams - which will be reduced to 23 players at the end of the month - the Santos star is one step closer to a fourth World Cup.
Neymar, who has been hampered by a knee injury in recent months, is returning to form playing with Brazilian side Santos where he has scored five times in the last 12 matches.
The 34-year-old has not played for his country since 2023 when he injured his ACL against Paraguay.
Football royalty have called for Neymar's return.
"We want the best players to be there (at the World Cup) and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them," Lionel Messi told Pollo Álvarez en his Lo del Pollo show.
"It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football. I hope he can be there, but I can't be objective, because he always has to be there.
"I can't be objective. Neymar is a friend...Obviously, I'd love for him to be at the World Cup, for good things to happen to him because he deserves it for the kind of person he is. And I hope he can be there."
Ronaldo for world Cup 2030?
With most expecting this World Cup to be Cristiano Ronaldo's swansong, there's one man backing the megastar to be part of Portugal's 2030 campaign.
Former Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen has made the prediction saying the lure of a home World Cup will prove too tempting for the 41-year-old.
Should that become a reality, Ronaldo would be challenging Egypt's Essam El-Hadary for the mantle of oldest World Cup player. The Goalkeeper was 45 years and 161 days old when he last played in a World Cup.
“You look at him, he's 41, but obviously he's biologically probably early thirties. It's a bit of a case where the mind goes, the rest will follow. So there's no doubt about the fact that he looks after himself in the best possible way," Meulensteen said.
“I saw the other day somewhere that they put Ronaldo's son on the team sheet (at Al-Nassr). That might be one of the challenges that he still wants to do, to play with him, that would be unique.
“But I think if he stays injury free and he keeps fresh, obviously you have to wait and see what is happening with Portugal because he would possibly be the oldest player at the World Cup. It will definitely play in the back of his mind, especially with the World Cup being co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, Morocco. That's not too far!”
__Allegations may see player banned
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A Cape Verde player is under investigation for an alleged rape and may miss the World Cup.
According to the New Zealand Herald, the player - who remains anonymous - assaulted someone while in Auckland playing in the FIFA Series in March.
The incident is alleged to have taken place at the team's hotel after a 4-2 defeat against Chile.
The New Zealand Police confirmed that "an allegation is under investigation, reported to us on April 10, 2026, in central Auckland. We are unable to comment further at this time," the Herald wrote.
