World Cup 2026: Argentina's new eligibility rule and striker scoring race draw attention

The Argentine Football Association introduced a rule that any player who moves abroad before signing their first professional contract in Argentina will no longer be eligible for the national team. The policy, aimed at keeping talent in the country, would have prevented a teenage Lionel Messi from leaving for Barcelona in 2000, potentially altering his career trajectory.

Ahead of the World Cup, England captain Harry Kane discussed the merits of fellow striker Erling Haaland, noting Haaland's physicality and goal‑scoring record. Both players are among the leading contenders for the tournament’s top‑scorer award, with Messi and Kylian Mbappé also in the mix.

These developments highlight ongoing debates about player development policies and the hunt for the Golden Boot as the 2026 World Cup approaches.