NEW YORK: For some fans following this World Cup, the calculation has been simple: support whoever is playing against Argentina. Across the tournament, that has meant wearing the green of Algeria, the blue of Cape Verde, or the red of Switzerland. Even the often maligned England got a boost in global social media pledges of support last week ahead of their semifinal clash. And in Sunday’s final, it may mean pulling on a red Spain shirt. Argentina are one of football’s most successful and recognizable national teams, but also one of its most polarizing.

While Latin Americans have traditionally rallied behind football teams from the region who advance deep into the World Cup tournament, a flood of memes, jokes and criticism has…

The fervor goes beyond the historic rivalry between Pele's Brazil and Diego Maradona's Argentina: Mexico, Colombia, Chile and others are all hoping Lionel Messi's Albiceleste bite…

July 18 : For some fans following this World Cup, the calculation has been simple: support whoever is playing against Argentina. Across the tournament, that has meant wearing the…

Argentina's march to the World Cup final has reignited a familiar divide in global football, with many fans rallying behind whichever team faces the Albiceleste. From Maradona's…

NEW YORK: For some fans following this World Cup, the calculation has been simple: support whoever is playing against Argentina. Across the tournament, that has meant wearing the…

Fans from Mexico to Brazil unite to cheer Yamal's Spain against Argentina and Messi, whom they call 'FIFA’s golden boy'.

From Diego Maradona's defiance to Lionel Messi's global celebrity, Argentina has long inspired devotion at home and abroad, alongside irritation, envy, and resentment from rivals