CULTURE

Footer Column 2

Footer Legal

Footer Main

Nav Bar

OTHER

SPORTS

Subscribe, at any level, to play

Thanks for your interest in Defector Crosswords!

Become a subscriber today to get unlimited access

Thanks for reading!

Plans start at $8/month.

Subscribers enjoy unlimited, ad-free browsing.

Register to continue

Or click here to subscribe for unlimited, ad-free access!

Our gift to you: This year's post is unlocked. Register your email to get even more free articles.

Welcome to the 2025 Hater's Guide!

Just register your email:

This blog is free to read.

This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Luis Paez-Pumar

Salem Aldawsari of Saudi Arabia celebrates as he scores the goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

Soccer

Saudi Arabia Had Too Much Fight For Argentina To Handle

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL: Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the trophy after winning the final of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Lionel Messi And Argentina Are Ready For World Cup Glory

Billy Haisley

Neymar Jr of Brazil celebrates after scoring their side's third goal with his teammates Raphinha and Lucas Paqueta during the international friendly match between Brazil and Tunisia at Parc des Princes on September 27, 2022 in Paris, France.

The World Cup Is South America’s To Win

Lisandro Martínez of Argentina competes for the ball with Vinicius Junior of Brazil during a match between Argentina and Brazil as part of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers at San Juan del Bicentenario Stadium on November 16, 2021 in San Juan, Argentina.

It’s All Coming Together For Vinícius

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammate Nicolás Gonzalez after scoring the first goal of his team during a match between Argentina and Uruguay as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 10, 2021 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Argentina Finally Has The Balance It Needs To Be The Best

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Health staff members argue with head coach of Argentina Lionel Scaloni and players of Brazil and Argentina during a match.

World Cup Qualifier Halted So That Four Premier League Players Can Be Deported

Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the trophy with teammates after winning the final of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Lionel Messi Led Argentina To The Final, And His Teammates Took It From There

<a href="http://www.ddavisla.com">David Davis </a>is the author of Wheels of Courage: How Paralyzed Veterans From World War II Invented Wheelchair Sports, Fought for Disability Rights, and Inspired a Nation and Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku. He lives in Los Angeles.
<div></div>

David Davis

The Man Who Captured The Hand Of God Has Been Erased From History

Ray Ratto

Diego Maradona Was Soccer’s First And Last Deity

Argentina's midfielder Javier Mascherano (L) vies with Netherlands' forward Arjen Robben (R) during the semi-final football match between Netherlands and Argentina of the FIFA World Cup at The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on July 9, 2014.

Javier Mascherano Was Always The Backbone

Gonzalo Higuain celebrates disallowed goal vs. Germany

Argentina