Uruguay beat Argentina 2-0 at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires in a World Cup qualifying match. Argentina hadn't lost a competitive match since its group-stage opener against Saudi Arabia during last year's World Cup in Qatar.

The World Cup winners still lead the 10-team South American qualifying group with 12 points from five matches. Uruguay is second with 10 points. Brazil will host the World Cup champions at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on 22nd November. Brazil are in the fifth spot with only 7 points.

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will feature 48 teams, including top six teams from South America.

Also Read: Kuwait vs India FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Highlights | Manvir Singh's goal help India beat Kuwait 0-1

What happened in the Argentina vs Uruguay match?

Uruguay was aggressive from the start against the World Cup Champions. Darwin Núnez nearly opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a mistake by defender Nicolás Otamendi. For the first time since Argentina's World Cup campaign, coach Lionel Scaloni looked out of ideas as his players were struggling to stop Uruguay's wingers.

In the 41st minute, Matias Viña easily stole the ball from Nahuel Molina and gently made a low cross into the penalty box. Ronald Araújo smashed it into the back of the net to provide a lead to his side.

Argentina came close to leveling the scoring on a free kick by Messi and a close-range shot by Otamendi, which forced the Uruguay goalkeeper to make a key save near the end of the first half.

After the break, Uruguay kept the pressure on Argentina, but Argentina once again came close when Messi hit the bar with a free kick in the 57th minute. Argentina were keeping the possession but Uruguay were looking threatening in the counters.

Núnez then scored in the 87th minute on a counter after the Uruguayan defense stopped Messi at the edge of its box.

"We never felt comfortable in this match," Messi said after the match.

The No.10 jersey in football is always an iconic one. Be it for any club, country or any team playing in a local tournament, usually the best player of the team or the attacker wears the No.10 jersey for the team. 

FC Barcelona, one of the best and historical clubs in the World, had some of the greatest players ever to wear the No. 10 jersey for them. Today, in this article, we will discuss 10 legendary Barcelona players who have worn the jersey no. 10. 

To give you the context of the article, let me remind you that, after a great 2024-25 season, Lamine Yamal is set to wear the No.10 jersey for FC Barcelona in the next season, only if Ansu Fati leaves the club. 

Read Also | Football jersey numbers: Significance of jersey numbers in football

1. Lionel Messi (2008-2021)

If you talk about any stats or legendary things about FC Barcelona, there is a chance that you will have to mention the little man from Argentina, Lionel Messi. Most goals, most trophies, most assists, most Ballon d'Ors, and many more records for the club - Messi has everything to his name.

Messi had 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances for FC Barcelona and left the club with the most number of titles. The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner wore the No.10 jersey for the first time in 2008 when Ronaldinho left the Catalan club to join AC Milan. 

Since then, Messi has worn the iconic jersey for 14 years, before leaving the club as the greatest Barcelona player. 

Read Also | 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

2. Diego Maradona (1982–1984)

An Argentine legend followed by another one. One of the greatest footballers ever, Diego Maradona, who is known for his time at Italian Club Napoli, spent two seasons at FC Barcelona as well. 

Although Maradona's stint at Barcelona was full of controversies and injuries, he scored 38 goals in 58 matches and won the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup for FC Barcelona. 

3. Ronaldinho (2003–2008)

With his Samba magic and flair, Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the greatest Barcelona players ever. The Brazilian legend was there when Messi made his debut and gave him all the support to fill his shoes later. Before Messi, it was Ronaldinho, who used to wear the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. 

Ronaldinho scored 94 goals and provided 71 assists in 207 matches for FC Barcelona. 

Alongside winning two La Liga titles, he also won the 2006 UEFA Champions League for the Spanish club.

Read Also | Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time

4. Gary Lineker (1986–1989)

Gary Lineker is one of the greatest English players ever to play for FC Barcelona. From 1986 to 1989, Lineker played for FC Barcelona in 138 matches, wearing the famous No. 10 jersey. 

Lineker scored 51 goals for the Catalan club and helped them win the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989.

5. Rivaldo (1997–2002)

Rivaldo, the Brazilian legend and captain, joined FC Barcelona in the 1997 season and played 235 games for the Catalan, the most he played for any club in his career. The attacking midfielder scored 130 goals for Barcelona and won four titles, including two La Liga titles. 

Not only that, during his stint at Barcelona, he won the FIFA Best Player Award and Ballon d'Or award in 1999. 

Read Also | Football Facts: Players With Champions League, World Cup and Ballon d'Or

6. César Rodríguez (1939–1955)

Since there was no consistency in jersey numbers during the 1930s and 1940s era, it is quite unclear how many games he played wearing the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. But Cesar, who wore the No. 10 jersey occasionally for FC Barcelona, played 344 games for the club.

In those games, he scored 226 goals and won 11 trophies for the club, including 5 La Liga titles. With 28 goals, he also finished the 1948-49 season as the top scorer of La Liga.

7. Juan Román Riquelme (2002–2005)

Another Argentine legend is on the list of legendary players to wear the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. Riquelme, the legendary Argentine attacking midfielder, though he only played 42 games for FC Barcelona, made his mark before leaving for Villarreal and Boca Juniors. 

8. Michael Laudrup (1989–1994)

Laudrup, the Danish playmaker, was an integral part of Johan Cruyff’s dream team. The stylish midfielder played 226 games for FC Barcelona and scored 54 goals for the club. Along with his goals, Laudrup assisted 26 times as well. 

Laudrup won 9 trophies for FC Barcelona, including 1 UEFA Champions League, 4 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Supercup and 2 Spanish Super Cups. Post becoming FC Barcelona.

After his successful 1992 and 1993 seasons, Laudrup joined Real Madrid the next season. 

9. Luis Suárez Miramontes (1955–1961)

One of the greatest Spanish midfielders, Luis Suárez Miramontes, is also one of the greatest FC Barcelona players. Luis Suárez Miramontes, in 176 games for FC Barcelona, scored 80 goals and assisted 21 times. 

Suarez won two La Liga titles and two Spanish Cup titles for FC Barcelona before moving to Inter Milan, where he flourished as a striker and went on to win two Champions League titles as well. 

But before leaving for Inter Milan, he won the 1960 Ballon d'Or while playing for FC Barcelona.

10. Hugo Sotil (1973–1976)

Hugo Sotil, the Peruvian striker, was one of the key players for FC Barcelona during the Johan Cruyff era. In 70 games, he scored 18 goals and helped FC Barcelona win the 1973–74 La Liga title.

Hugo was one of the key members of Barcelona's resurgence in the 1970s. 

In the world of football, few clubs stand out like Chelsea FC. Their trophy cabinet tells a story of incredible success, proving that they have truly won it all!

With their recent UEFA Conference League 4-1 victory over Real Betis, Chelsea completed a historic sweep of all major UEFA titles.

Here is trophy cabinet of Chelsea FC that defines their successful journey in the football world. Take a look.

European Royalty: Conquering the Continent

Chelsea have battled across the continent's most prestigious stages and won every major UEFA club trophy, a feat few clubs can claim.

Their crowning achivements including 2 UEFA Champions League titles, notable defeating Bayern Munich [1-1 (4-3 pens)] in 2012 and Manchester City (1-0) in 2021.

Beyond the Champions League, Chelsea also lifted the UEFA Europa League twice (2013, 2019), and the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1971, famously against Real Madrid in the replay, and also in 1998.

Additionally, two UEFA Super Cup victories (1998, 2021) further highlight their continental dominance.

The collection was completed with their 2025 UEFA Conference League triumph, where Chelsea FC beat Real Betis 4-1 in the final.

The domestic dominance of Chelsea FC

Beyond their European conquests, they have also established as masters of England by securing highest domestic honors.

The Blues clinched the First Division/Premier League title and impress six times (1955, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2017) along with eight FA Cup victories (1970, 1997, 2000, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018). This makes them the competition's most successful team.

Their domestic dominance also extends to League Cup, which they have won five times in the following years: 1965, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2015.

Completing the Set: Global and Historic Honors

Chelsea's trophy cabinet truly lives upto the "won it all" status by having a collection of unique, historical, and global titles.

The FIFA Club World Cup win over Palmeiras (2-1) in 2021, made them only London club to win the Champions League as well as FIFA Club WC.

Further adding to their phenomenal collection are four Charity/Community Shield triumphs (1955, 2000, 2005, 2009), which mark their traditional early-season dominance.

As we move down to the final count, Chelsea also holds two Full Members' Club Victories (1986, 1990).

A look at Chelsea's Trophy Cabinet:

The FIFA World Cup 2026, which is set to be the biggest with a record 48 teams, is just one year away. After the huge success of FIFA World Cup 2022, where the world saw an outstanding final between winners Argentina and runners-up France, the next edition is gearing up to break more records. 

But, even though the number of countries participating in the World Cup would increase, there is a chance that a few well-known footballing nations might miss the flight to the FIFA World Cup 2026, in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Today, we will talk about those countries which can miss the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

7. Austria

Austria under Ralf Rangnick surprised everyone with their high pressing game, beating teams like the Netherlands and Poland in Euro 2024. However, their high-pressing game might not give them great results in the USA. Moreover, their Bundesliga talents are also above their peak age. 

Austria have not started their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign at the moment, and Bosnia-Herzegovina have already taken a 6-point lead in the Group H points table. So, it might be tough for them if they make any silly mistakes during the qualifiers. 

6. Croatia

Although Luka Modric and company surprised everyone with a runners-up finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and a third-place finish in 2022, the former Real Madrid great would be 40 during the World Cup. So, we can not expect Modric to take his team over the line alone. 

Although they have a defender like Josko Gvardiol, the entire squad is getting aged, and they are already six points behind teams like the Czech Republic and Montenegro, even before starting their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign.

So, they also have very little room for any mistakes. 

5. Chile

Chile were once considered one of the toughest South American teams with Copa America victories in 2015 and 2016. But those times are gone now for them. 

They still depend on veteran stars like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez, who are at the fag end of their careers. With just two wins in 14 South American qualifiers and a paltry nine goals scored, Chile are currently bottom of the points table. 

With Chile being five points adrift of a play-off spot, they might not make it to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

4. Qatar

The 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts created history by losing all three group games, becoming the first host nation to do so. However, after back-to-back Asian Cup victories, they were well on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on merit.

But, after winning only three of the eight third-round Asian qualifiers matches, they are now behind Iran and Uzbekistan in the group. 

Although there is a fourth round of safety for them, it is not guaranteed that they will qualify from there.  

3. Senegal

Senegal, the African football giants, struggled a bit after the departure of coach Aliou Cisse. They had shown great determination during the FIFA World Cup 2022, but after Cisse's departure, they seem to be fading. 

Their senior stars, Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, now play in the Saudi Pro League and are not at their prime as well. It will be up to their youngsters, like Pape Sarr and Nicolas Jackson, to take them home.

Read Also | 10 most successful African Players with most goals in the UEFA Champions League

But they are now behind DR Congo by a point in qualifying. So, any mistake from them could sweep away the dreams of the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

2. Cameroon

Cameroon are Africa's most frequent World Cup participants and has always brought a great flair to the World Cups. But, despite having talents like Andre Onana and Bryan Mbeumo, they have dropped points against Libya, Angola, and Eswatini.

They are currently one point behind Cape Verde in the Group D points table of CAF qualifiers. 

1. Nigeria

It would be a shame if a team with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface as their attacking trio does not qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, despite having a good side, they have underperformed and won only six matches, trailing South Africa by six points in Group C.

The European Golden Boot or European Golden Shoe is awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in league matches in the top divisions of European football. First awarded in 1968, this prestigious honour is judged on a points-based system.

Also Read: Players with the most champions league titles

Golden Boot: Rules

The winner is not simply the player with the most goals in the season. There is a weighting system where the goals scored in the top-ranked leagues are worth more. Players from the five highest ranked leagues according to UEFA (based on results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons) get 2 points per scored goal, leagues ranked 6-22 get 1.5 points per goal and the remaining leagues get 1 point per goal.

The top five ranked leagues in 2022 were Germany, Spain, England, Italy, and France. The winners usually come from the top-ranked leagues.

Historical Overview

Between 1968 and 1991, the award was given by L'Équipe to the highest goalscorer in any European league. Between 1991 and 1996 there were no official awards given to the top goal scorers, but the leading goalscorer for those years have since been recognized.

Since the 1996–97 season, the award, given by European Sports Media, has used a weighted points system.

Most Golden Boots win

Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Boot a record six times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19). The next closest is Cristiano Ronaldo with four (2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15).

Let's take a look at the most Golden Boots win in football history.

Also Read: Manchester United Trophy Cabinet

Most Golden Boots win in football history (All Time)

1. Lionel Messi | 6 Times

2. Cristiano Ronaldo | 4 Times

3. Luis Suárez | 2 Times

4. Thierry Henry | 2 Times

5. Robert Lewandowski | 2 Times

The Champions League has always been a huge honour for any team. Teams like Real Madrid have won the trophy as many as 15 times while AC Milan, FC Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich have won found success in Europe's biggest club competition. 

As a result, the players from such elite teams as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Ajax, and AC Milan dominate the charts of players with the most Champions League titles.

Also Read: Most Champions League titles won by Football Clubs

Players who have won the most Champions League titles

Iconic Real Madrid left-winger Paco Gento used to hold the record for the most Champions League titles by a player. He has won six trophies in his 18 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Real Madrid legends Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Nacho have equalled his record and became the only players to win six Champions League titles in the UCL era. 

Former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is tied up at 5 UCL titles with players like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Larence Seedorf as well as other Real Madrid giants in Hector Rial and Marquitos, Lucas Vázquez, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and a few others.

Also Read: Top 5 Defenders with the Most Champions League Goals

Former Barcelona superstars, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, and Gerard Pique won four titles as a player. 

List of Players who have won more than four UCL titles: