Brazil legend Marta Vieira da Silva, known as the 'Queen of Football', will say goodbye to international football at the end of this year 2024. 

Also Read: Women In Sports: Female Football Players Who Inspired The World

The star footballer who has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award  six times (the most among women), has announced her retirement. Marta has already played her last World Cup, now all that remains is to say goodbye to football.

“There is a moment when we have to understand that the time has come. I am very calm about this because I see with great optimism this development that we are having in relation to young [players].” Brazilian said in an interview given to CNN on Thursday.

Despite announcing retirement at the end of this year, Marta hopes to wear Brazil's yellow jersey in one more Olympics. Before this, she participated in five Olympics and won two silver medals (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008).

"This is my last year with the national team:"

Dreaming of playing in the Olympic games again, Marta said, "If I go to the Olympics, I will enjoy every moment, because, regardless of whether I go to the Olympics or not, this is my last year with the national team,"

The Brazilian women's football team are currently in the process of becoming a brand new team. Marta was last named in the CONCACAF Gold Cup squad by Arthur Elias.

Now the 38-year-old star striker is hoping for a FIFA call-up in the next May window. It will be the last chance for the coaches to try out the players before the Paris Olympics 2024.

"We have a really qualified team with really talented girls who, as the years go by, you will see what I’m talking about," Marta said.

"Because of this, I feel very comfortable saying: ‘Listen, I’m passing on to you, I’m going to pass on the baton and you continue to carry on this legacy," she added.

Also Read: 10 Inspiring Indian Sportswomen: International Women's Day Special

Marta has the record for most goals (17) in the women's and men's editions of the World Cup. However, the regret of not winning the World Cup remains for this Seleção legend. She won the title of the best female footballer of the year for 5 consecutive years from 2006 to 2010.

Marta won the award once again in 2018 after a gap of 8 years. She has won the Pan American football title and the gold medal at the Summer Olympics. Marta also won the Copa America title three times. 

Following the sacking of Dorival Junior as the head coach of the Brazil national team, a move that was prompted by the Selecao's significant 1-4 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, the media commenced speculations discussing potential replacements.

Besides Carlo Ancelotti, Jorge Jesus has also been named as a potential candidate. However, The 70-year-old Portuguese coach has responded to these rumours, denying any negotiation with CBF to be appointed as the next head coach of Brazil, discarding the possibility as of now.

Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil

In an interview with UOL, Jesus, who is currently at the helm of Saudi club Al-Hilal, assured that he has not been contacted by anyone from the Brazilian Football Federation. "No one has spoken to me, at least until today," he stated.

The 'Globo' network has indicated that Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus is the front-runner to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.

The network also pointed out that Jorge Jesus is not keen to leave his position at Al-Hilal since he expects to stay with the Saudi Pro League side until the end of the AFC Champions League Elite, which concludes on May 3, 2025.

🚨🇧🇷 Jorge Jesus has given his initial availability to become new Brazil head coach, after the end of the season with Al Hilal.

Decision now up to the Brazilian Federation as dream target Carlo Ancelotti surely won’t be available before end of July. pic.twitter.com/122t3HfTbw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2025

Further, the network added that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was the initial choice; however, he is not ready to leave his present job before the end of the 2025 Club World Cup.

The Portuguese coach aims to lead Al-Hilal to triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite and might consider stepping down before the Club World Cup to assume the coaching duty at the Brazilian national team.

Jesus addressed his relationship with Neymar

Recent developments have witnessed prominent figures such as Carlo Ancelotti and Filipe Luis pulling out of contention as of now to take over the Brazil job, solidifying Jesus's position as the front-runner.

Read Also | Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti 

This development might be a hurdle for Neymar Jr, who reportedly had a strained relationship with the Portuguese coach. 

Their stint together at Al-Hilal was filled with challenges, ending with Neymar leaving Al-Hilal to join Santos under controversial circumstances after being informed that he was not part of Jesus's long-term vision for the team.

When asked on the 'Charla Podcast' about the possibility of reuniting with Jesus in the national setup, Neymar seemed visibly uncomfortable and opted to answer otherwise. "I have nothing to do with this. I'm just a player; don't involve me in this. I'm out," he stated.

However, Jorge Jesus opened up about his relationship with Neymar. In the interview with UOL. "I have no issues with Neymar, but no club or national team can depend on individual players," the coach said, dismissing any conflicting triggers.

Read Also | Brazil fail without Neymar: these stats prove that

The situation raises questions about Neymar's future with the national team and the possible impact of this appointment on the team's dynamics. However, Brazil seeks to bounce back from their recent stint of setbacks and appoint a coach who can lead the team to the coveted success with the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.

Brazil's disappointing 4-1 defeat against Argentina at Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires has insecure the head coach's place of Dorival Junior, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico just over a year away. 

Following Tite's departure after Brazil's quarterfinal exit against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, he has been the third coach to lead the team, and the Brazilian is now being tipped to depart as well if he fails to turn around Brazil's national football team's fortune.

🚨🇧🇷 Brazilian Federation are seriously considering a managerial change as now Dorival Junior position is under review.

The dream target for July would be Carlo Ancelotti again, as @geglobo reported — but no negotiations are taking place now as it also depends on Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/RFzPJaDgRR

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 26, 2025

Why Carlo Ancelotti?

CBF president Ednaldo Rodriguez, recently re-elected, had previously identified Carlo Ancelotti as his managerial target in 2023, with Pep Guardiola also considered before the contract extension with Manchester City. However, the Italian has indicated that any discussions would only advance after the FIFA Club World Cup, which Real Madrid will participate in between June and July in the United States of America.

Ancelotti's contract details with Madrid:

Carlo Ancelotti remains under contract with Real Madrid until 2026, and if he secures major silverware, such as Laliga, UEFA Champions League, or the FIFA Club World Cup, club president Florentino Perez is expected to keep him in charge. 

The Italian has previously stated that he would never willingly leave Real Madrid, but should the club end the season trophyless. Brazil may see an opportunity to attract him away. With Carlo Ancelotti's availability uncertain, the CBF is also considering other potential options. 

Among the names being considered is Filipe Luiz, the former Atletico Madrid defender and current Flamengo coach.

Next for Brazil:

Brazil has its next set of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in early June, playing Ecuador away and Paraguay at home. The CBF must now determine whether to keep Dorival Junior until then or appoint an interim manager while negotiations with current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti continue behind the scenes. 

Hello and welcome to another football LIVE Blog of Sportz Point. 

This is Koushik Biswas, who will be staying up with you for this coverage. Tonight, we will be covering the Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Argentina.

Argentina are currently leading the South American Qualifiers points table with 28 points from 13 games. In the meantime, Brazil are at number three with 21 points in the same number of games.  

Read Also | Argentina vs Brazil 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction

The FIFA World Cup 2022 winners came from a tough 1-0 win over Uruguay. On the other hand, Brazil managed a 2-1 win over Colombia in their last match. 

So, with both teams looking confident, we have a great game in our hands. Stay tuned and enjoy the coverage. 

The Argentine national football team is set to host the Brazil national football team on matchday 14 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifiers. 

Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of the Argentina vs Brazil match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers at Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Team News:

We have a 𝐂𝐥𝐚́𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐨 on our minds 🧠⏳ pic.twitter.com/MYkg5WWWux

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 23, 2025

Argentina:

Argentina will be at their home this time around. They defeated Brazil in their last meeting, and even though it was an away fixture, Lionel Scaloni's managed side secured a win in a close contest. The Argentine squad also secured a win in their previous match against Uruguay. Lionel Scaloni's managed side is at the top of the table, having won nine of their thirteen matches.

Brazil:

Brazil is not in the best forms but are slowly gaining the momentum. They faced Colombia in their last world cup qualifier match and came out on top after Vinicius Junior's late winner. Dorival Junior's lads are in a good form and currently undefeated in the last few matches. Dorival Junior's managed side jumped up to the third spot with a win in their previous counter.

Kick-Off:

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Stadium: Mas Monumental

Date: Wednesday, 26 March

Kick-Off time: 5:30 am IST

Recent Form:

Argentina:

• Uruguay 0-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
• Argentina 1-0 Peru (Home, World Cup Qualifiers)
• Paraguay 2-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup Qualifiers)
• Argentina 6-0 Bolivia (Home, World Cup Qualifiers)
• Venezuela 1-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup Qualifiers)

Brazil:

• Chile 1-2 Brazil (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
• Brazil 4-0 Peru (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
• Venezuela 1-1 Brazil (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
• Brazil 1-1 Uruguay (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
• Brazil 2-1 Colombia (Home, World Cup qualifiers)

Head-to-head stats:

Total Matches: 16

Brazil won: 7

Argentina won: 6

Draw: 3

Injury Updates:

• Lautaro Martinez will not be a part of Argentina's squad as he is injured.
• Alisson Becker is injured and will not be in action for Brazil.

Predicted Lineup:

Argentina:

Emi Martinez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Christian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leonardo Pardes, Alexis Mac Allister, Guiliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Angel Correra, Julian Alvarez.

Brazil:

Bento (GK), Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhes, Guilherme Arana, Rodrygo, Joelinton, Endrick, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha.

Fantasy XI:

Emi Martinez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhes, Nicolas Otamendi, Alexis Mac Allister, Guiliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.

Broadcasting Details

India: Fancode

UK: Premier Sports

US: ViX, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo

Nigeria: Startimes World football

Prediction: 

Argentina 1-3 Brazil

It is a childhood dream for everyone to represent their country in a global tournament like FIFA World Cup. But imagine, you are actually a young lad, and yet you are playing the tournament and winning it. For some lucky but no doubt exceptionally talented players, this became a reality. 

In this article from Sportz Point, discover the 5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup, including legends like Pele and Ronaldo Nazario, who made history at an early age.

5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup:

5. Thierry Henry | 20 Years | France:

Before Kylian Mbappe became a familiar name, there was Thierry Henry in a star-studded French team including the biggest stars like Zinedine Zidane, Lillian Thuram, and Patrick Viera led by Didier Deschamps. Henry at the age of just 20, burst into the limelight with France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

However, Henry did not make an appearance against Brazil, where France won 3-0. He had already played his role, scoring thrice in six matches. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Henry was one of the guaranteed starters in the squad.

4. Kylian Mbappe | 19 Years | France:

With astonishing speed and agility, it feels like he is in a sports car on a football field. Kylian Mbappe announced himself at the age of 19. Mbappe became the youngest player to score in the FIFA World Cup final since Pele in 1958, bringing back the title to France after 20 years.

He was one of the most important players for France throughout the season. In the round of 16, Mbappe managed to score a brace in five minutes, knocking out Lionel Messi's Argentina 4-3. Mbappe craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

3. Giuseppe Bergomi | 18 Years | Italy:

Giuseppe Bergomi was selected by the Italian national team coach Enzo Bearzot in the 1982 FIFA World Cup squad. He started the tournament on the bench and during the group stage did a great job marking Socrates and Serginho against Brazil in a memorable 3-2 win. Bergomi impressed everyone with his maturity in the Semi-final and the Final.

Giuseppe Bergomi was a FIFA World Cup winner just over a year after making his first appearance in the senior match. Bergomi is one of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup. 

2. Ronaldo Nazario | 17 Years | Brazil:

Ronaldo Nazario "The Phenomenon" was a generational talent. If not for a catalog of serious knee injuries, he would probably be known as the greatest ever to play football. In 1994, a 17-year-old Ronaldo was part of the World Cup-winning Brazil team in the United States. However, he only made it to the bench and did not play a single minute. Ronaldo Nazario placed second in this list of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo scored a staggering 115 goals in 134 games between 1994 and 1999 during two brilliant spells at Barcelona (37 goals, 34 games) and PSV (46 goals in 42 games). By 23, he had scored over 200 goals for club and country.

1. Pele | 17 Years | Brazil:

Pele is the most well-known footballer in the history of the sport and possibly the greatest attacking player of the 20th century. The Brazilian legend was just 17 years and 249 days old in 1958 when Brazil outdid Sweden by 5-2 in the final at the Rashunda Stadium in Solna, Sweden. Pele scored a brace, winning Brazil their first-ever World Cup. 

Pele is the youngest player to win the FIFA World Cup on this list. Brazil’s 5-2 triumph over France in the semi-finals saw Pele become the youngest scorer of a hat-trick in World Cup history. He also won the World Cup in 1962 in Chile. Later on, he went on to claim his third World Cup trophy after eight years in Mexico. He is the only player to have won 3 World Cup trophies.