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• 'He knows he has a whole country behind him' - Scaloni empathises as Messi spends birthday on road

  Lionel Scaloni empathised with Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain spent another birthday "away from home".

  Messi, who turned 37 on Monday, and his team-mates are preparing to resume their Copa America title defence against Chile on Tuesday.

  The reigning champions, who began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Canada, celebrated their skipper's big day by presenting him with a cake.

  Messi wrote on Instagram: "Thank you so much for all the greetings and congratulations! Another year that coincides with my birthday being with the National Team, so celebrating a little bit more and we keep getting ready for our next game."

  And Scaloni understands it must be difficult for the Inter Miami forward not to have the opportunity to celebrate with his family.

  "I know how hard it is for him to be away from home on his birthday," the head coach told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

  "We try to make sure he has the best time possible with his team-mates. We are used to it. He knows he has a whole country behind him.

  "The important thing is that Messi is here. He trained normally and is fit to play [against Chile]."

  Messi was part of the Argentina side that lost to Chile in successive Copa America finals on penalties in 2015 and 2016.

  The eight-time Ballon d'Or briefly retired from international duty following the latter, in which he missed his spot-kick, but overturned his decision before eventually leading his nation to Copa America and World Cup glory in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

  And Scaloni insisted Argentina are not out to avenge those defeats when they lock horns with La Roja at the MetLife Stadium.

  "There is nothing left of [those finals]. Just as it is with last year’s World Cup, it's history. There's no point in going back.

  "We have played many matches with these types of characteristics. We will face the match as it happens."

• Hungary forward Varga undergoes successful surgery after worrying injury

  Barnabas Varga has undergone successful surgery and will leave hospital on Wednesday, after suffering a facial fracture during Hungary's dramatic 1-0 win over Scotland at Euro 2024.

  The forward required urgent medical attention after colliding with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the 68th minute of the crucial Group A encounter in Munich on Sunday.

  There was a lengthy stoppage in play, with Varga's team-mates forming a protective wall around him for privacy during treatment.

  The 29-year-old left the field on a stretcher and was taken to hospital, but was in a stable condition before his surgery.

  A statement from the Hungarian Football Federation read: "According to the information of the institution's doctors specialising in facial injuries, the intervention was uncomplicated, so the attacker can leave the hospital on Wednesday."

  Varga's wife Laura Skrapits also shared a picture on Instagram, accompanied by the message: "Thank you for the kind, supportive messages. Barni is over the surgery. A little rest awaits him, but everything will be fine."

  Kevin Csoboth's 100th-minute strike secured third place for Hungary in Group A, boosting their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

  The team dedicated their victory to Varga, holding aloft his number 19 jersey as they saluted their supporters.

• Euro 2024 social round-up: Football, eh? Italy snatch a last-16 place and England debate rolls on

  Gary Lineker has been at the centre of something of a storm when it comes to England at Euro 2024, and that story was plastered over social media on Monday.

  Then, the football took control, with Spain keeping up their winning run and Italy salvaging a draw against Croatia to claim a spot in the last 16.

  Here, we unpack the best of the day's social media clips from the tournament in Germany.

   

  Football, eh?

  Football... It's crazy! 

  With a minute to go, Italy - the holders - were on the brink of a possible exit, with Croatia leading 1-0 in Leipzig.

  Yet within 30 seconds, Mattia Zaccagni's maiden Azzurri goal had sent Italy through into the last 16, and it's Croatia who are on the verge of an early departure.

  Lineker responds

  There was a lot left to be desired following England's performance in their 1-1 draw with Denmark, but it is the post-match criticism that has since drawn the most attention.

  In particular, Lineker's comments were brought to the attention of Harry Kane in a recent press conference, with the England captain urging the pundits to support the squad.

  With the ball back in Lineker's court, he - along with fellow pundit Alan Shearer - had his say on the ongoing debate.

  Ferdinand chips into pundit debate

  Rio Ferdinand has done his fair share of punditry, and the former England defender had his say on the Lineker debate.

  Ferdinand said the England players shouldn't expect pundits to act as "cheerleaders" when the team aren't performing.

  Strike a pose

  With qualification for the knockout stages already complete, Portugal do not have to worry about any pressure going into their final match against Georgia.

  And while taking some time off during training, Joao Felix decided to try his hand at something a little different.

  We may even see some of his photos popping up on Portugal's official X account in the coming days.

  A family affair

  Among the travelling Spanish fans are a family of nine, who have made a 2000km journey to watch their nation at the tournament.

  After finally reaching their destination, they got to meet Ferran Torres, Marc Cucurella and Dani Vivian.

  Torres subsequently starred for Spain as La Roja stayed perfect in Group B by beating Albania, with the Barcelona forward scoring the only goal of the game.

  French cuisine 

  Ever wondered what an international footballer does at lunchtime?

  Well, fortunately for you, the French team allowed their social admins into the inner sanctum.

  Scholes backs Mainoo for big things

  More punditry relating to England, and this time it was Paul Scholes who had his say.

  Scholes thinks Kobbie Mainoo, who has had an impressive season with Manchester United, could be the player to pull the strings in midfield for the Three Lions.

  Vertonghen sees into the future

  Jan Vertonghen is playing in his sixth major tournament for Belgium, and his third Euros.

  Sitting down at Belgium's 'The Basecamp', the veteran defender was given a glimpse of what he will look like if he chooses to forgo retirement and keep playing with the help of AI.

  While Vertonghen was seemingly happy with the results, Maxim De Cuyper was not so impressed.

  The grind never stops

  Cristiano Ronaldo will make his 50th appearance at a major tournament the next time he features at Euro 2024.

  And even though Portugal are already through, the work on the training field never stops for the 39-year-old...