The G.O.A.T has left the stage and it’s the end of an era. Months after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a loss to Spain in the final, Messi decided that the time was right to bid adieu to the Beautiful Game. He posted a handwritten note on Instagram announcing the decision. Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026, where they lost to Spain. At 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing the national side, Messi goes down as absolute legend.

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi wrote on Instagram.

“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give. Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.”

While his international career has now come to an end, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028. His departure from the Argentina national team closes a remarkable chapter that began in 2005 and ultimately saw him achieve the World Cup triumph that had long defined his international ambition.

Message For Argentina Fans

In his retirement post, Messi mentioned that he had a special message for Argentina’s fans.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.

“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!

“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

“Vamos Argentina!

Retirement letter 

Messi explained that he wrote his retirement letter on June 21, two days after losing the World Cup final, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life. Jorge Messi died on August 8 in his native Rosario, Argentina. Messi made his debut for the senior national team in 2005, but his journey was fraught with frustration until he finally lifted the World Cup in 2022.

“I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before,” he wrote.

The legendary footballer appeared in six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026, scoring 21 goals in 34 matches. He is the second-highest goal-scorer in the tournament’s history, with France’s Mbappe holding the record with 22 goals.

In this year’s World Cup, Messi had eight goals to his name and four assists, making him one of the standout performers in the tournament. This also included his maiden FIFA WC hat-trick against Algeria. He had overtaken Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s record of most FIFA World Cup goals before Mbappe snatched the top spot from him.

With agency inputs 

Featured Video Of The Day

India Ends CWG Boxing Campaign With Record-Breaking Seven Gold Medals

Gilas Pilipinas made sure to stay out of the way and let June Mar Fajardo have the spotlight to himself amid the joyous occasion of sweeping the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Once they presented him with the game ball following Sunday’s 68-56 win, Gilas players and coaches pushed Fajardo toward center court at the Mall of Asia Arena, allowing the fans to give him a warm round of applause followed by chants of “MVP!”

“It feels good. It warms the heart,” Fajardo said.

In that moment, there was no room for debate over whether Fajardo was just a big man who could dominate on the domestic front but couldn’t translate his success as a nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player to the international level.

And in that moment, too, there was only an expression of appreciation for always showing up and answering the call of national duty amid the rigors of playing nonstop basketball for both club and country.

“Representing my country has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Fajardo said Monday in a social media post. “Every time I put on that PILIPINAS jersey, I knew I was playing for something much bigger than myself, for my family, my teammates, the people who believed in me, and everyone who supported us through every win and every loss.”

Fajardo made the homestand the final time he would don the No. 15 jersey for Gilas after 70 games across all Fiba competitions, plus several more in the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.

His national career, through thick and thin, spanned 13 years.

He made his debut at the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship, also at MOA, wearing jersey No. 12 and playing a bit part in that historic run that secured Gilas a trip to the 2014 Fiba World Cup.

That World Cup was held in Seville, Spain, and it was there that Fajardo had the first of a handful of great Gilas moments, coming through in overtime to help beat Senegal and avert a winless campaign.

He was lauded when he stepped away from the fracas in a massive brawl against Australia at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, in 2018.

Fajardo won gold at the 2019 SEA Games at home but also had to endure the misery of being part of the Gilas team that fell short at the 2022 SEA Games in Vietnam.

There were also the struggles at the 2019 and 2023 editions of the World Cup, yet he experienced the euphoria of winning gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, ending the country’s long wait for glory at the continental showcase.

He played well when Gilas beat then-world No. 5 Latvia on its home floor at the 2024 Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament, but there were also hardships in recent Fiba competitions, coupled with nagging ailments, thus making the Iran game the right time to bid adieu.

And he made sure his goodbye would amount to more than simply waving to everyone. Fajardo had a hand in the second-quarter rally, and his jump hook cut the gap to 29-25 after Gilas trailed 18-7 at the end of the opening period.

It was a move he had done several times for San Miguel Beer. But it felt like more than just a shot in the eyes of many, including coach Tim Cone.

“That was huge,” Cone said. “When he got the ball and made that turn and landed that jump hook, the crowd went absolutely crazy. And that kind of gave us that lift going into halftime.”

Fajardo wound up with six points and two rebounds in seven minutes, part of the supporting cast in the win that resuscitated Gilas’ hopes of making next year’s World Cup.

And it gave him and everyone else a perfect swansong moment. Apart from getting the game ball, Fajardo had his jersey signed by the entire team, and those mementos will be placed in his cabinet alongside the awards, plaques and medals he has collected throughout his career.

“This is it. This is really my last game,” he said. “That’s why I had this ball, and I plan to frame it.” INQ

Top trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre believes the version of Conor Benn that fought Chris Eubank Jr is capable of pulling off a major upset against Ryan Garcia.

Eubank employed the services of BoMac ahead of his rematch with Benn, having won their first encounter by unanimous decision in April 2025.

That following November, Eubank was once again compelled to make 160lbs and keep within a 10lb rehydration threshold, only to lose a wide points decision this time around.

Many then highlighted this as a faded and depleted version of Eubank while Benn, to his credit, did manage to produce arguably a career-best performance.

Now travelling down to 147lbs for the first time since 2022, when he tested positive for banned substance clomifene, Benn has been made a sizable underdog against Garcia.

The pair will collide at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on September 12, with Garcia making a first defence of the WBC world title he claimed by dethroning Mario Barrios.

Yet despite looking impressive in that February outing, which resulted in a unanimous decision victory, the American was far less spectacular when he returned from a year-long doping ban and lost on points to Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in May 2025.

Highlighting this performance while speaking with Fight Hub TV, BoMac joined former pupil Terence Crawford and predicted a Benn victory.

“I think Conor is going to win, man. I think if Benn trains the way he’s supposed to train, and brings the fight like he did with Chris, I think he’ll be all right. He got to be the Conor that fought Chris and not the Conor that fought [Regis Prograis in April].”

BoMac went on to suggest that the constant pressure of Benn could cause Garcia to mentally check out of their contest, similarly to how he did against Romero.

Warrnambool’s Oliveanotherday has significantly advanced its aspirations for a start in The Everest following a strong audition at Caulfield.

The horse, a winner of the Listed Wangoom Handicap during the Warrnambool May Carnival, returned from a break to claim the Group 3 The Heath 1100 on Saturday.

Sent out as the $2.30 favourite with Harry Coffey in the saddle, Oliveanotherday recorded a 1-½ length victory over Bridal Waltz ($3.70), with War Machine ($6) a further 1-¼ lengths behind in third.

Trainer Tom Dabernig mentioned that there had been some interest in Oliveanotherday for a place in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) scheduled for Randwick on October 17.

“If the opportunity presented, we would fully embrace it,” Dabernig remarked.

“There has been a little bit of interest in the horse, but I think they were keen to see what he did today.

“It would be a good opportunity for horse, trainer and owner, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves, just yet.”

Dabernig’s priority is to achieve a Group 1 win for Oliveanotherday.

The Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 27 is a potential target, and Dabernig also pointed to the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 12 as a possible next step.

A run up the straight could pave the way for a Group 1 sprint contest during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington.

Dabernig admitted to feeling nervous during Saturday’s race when Oliveanotherday was positioned behind the leader, Bridal Waltz, along the fence.

“We were a little bit concerned with barrier one and I was mindful, talking to Harry Coffey during the week, of not wanting to chase the speed and to hold a position and give him too hard a run,” Dabernig said.

“But in doing so, turning for home and when he was held up, we were all a bit tense.

“He’s a horse that can quicken and get himself out of trouble in two or three strides and when he hit the front, I saw that Harry didn’t have to use the whip all that much and was hands and heels and he won nicely.

“It’s a great way to kick the preparation off and hopefully he can continue into the spring and take those next steps.”

Consider placing a bet on Oliveanotherday’s next race with these online bookmakers.

The battle brewing between LSU and the SEC is heating up.

Ahead of an anticipated court hearing Thursday in Louisana, the SEC and its members are weighing all possible outcomes, including possible forfeiture of games, a legal challenge in federal court and even possible expulsion, sources told CBS Sports. Yahoo Sports reported earlier Monday that possible boycotts were also being discussed. Expulsion is considered extremely, extremely unlikely but speaks to the level of frustration within the conference that it has even been uttered. 

It’s the latest escalation in a fascinating standoff between the SEC and one of its members. If you need a refresher, it stems from LSU’s decision to add three former professional football players, two of whom played for Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss last season, to this year’s roster. The players, as part of a larger group of more than 40 athletes, won a temporary restraining order from a Baton Rouge judge that allows them to return to college football and benefit from a new five years of eligibility in five seasons rule change that excluded the class of 2022. The ruling prohibited the NCAA from enforcing its rules on eligibility and professional athletes. 

As CBS Sports first reported last week, LSU reached out to multiple players on NFL rosters or their representatives to urge them to file a lawsuit against the NCAA and return to school, according to sources. This includes some of the players who ended up in a Louisiana lawsuit challenging the NCAA’s ruling, which sources have pointed out wasn’t tried in Baton Rouge by accident. 

The SEC – along with the Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 – then passed a rule that banned professional football players from returning to the collegiate ranks. Additionally, the SEC’s presidents and chancellors gave commissioner Greg Sankey full power to dole out punishments related to violating the rules, in addition to suspending a head coach for up to half the season and fining a program as much as 50 percent of its operating costs. The final formal vote within the SEC was 15-0, with LSU notably abstaining. 

The lawyers for those impacted athletes, in turn, added the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey to the lawsuit to prevent the conference from enforcing its rules. The SEC’s intraconference transfer rules prevent a player from transferring from one SEC institution to another outside of the transfer portal windows, as Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris are attempting to do. 

In a statement to CBS Sports on Sunday, the conference said it would comply with the order but fight to enforce its rules. 

“The order entered against the SEC and Commissioner Sankey is a temporary restraining order, not a final ruling on the merits,” the conference said in a statement. “The SEC and Commissioner Sankey are prepared to contest the allegations in the plaintiffs’ petition at Thursday morning’s hearing and defend the SEC’s rights as a voluntary association to fulfill its mission to its member institutions.”

Even if LSU and the athletes are victorious on Thursday, the fight won’t be over. In fact, multiple SEC sources indicated confidence that, with a number of options available to the league, it would eventually end with those players becoming ineligible. The College Football Playoff is also weighing a possible playoff ban on any school that plays a former professional athlete who isn’t eligible under NCAA rules, according to sources. 

The looming question is how far LSU is willing to go and what could be the eventual penalties if the school disobeys the conference ban. On Monday, Kiffin said he would “absolutely” follow the SEC’s rules if the court order was reversed.

“All we’re waiting for is clarity this week from the SEC, which they can’t give final clarity until Thursday’s ruling,” Kiffin said. “We are waiting for final clearance and guidelines from the SEC. I have been in communication daily with the SEC to make sure we’re complying with the SEC rules.” 

Kiffin has been in frequent communication with Louisiana governor Jeff Landry, according to sources, and there is a belief amongst at least some SEC sources that Landry is a primary driving force in the escalating battle. A request for comment from Landry’s office went unreturned last week but he told Front Office Sports, in part, “This whole thing is ridiculous. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” 

LSU must set its final roster on Friday, one game before an anticipated game against Clemson. Whether the three former NFL players are on the roster — Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris and Junior Tuihalamaka — could prompt serious fireworks within the SEC. 

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone during a game against Iran in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Gilas Pilipinas shifts from the euphoria of completing a home sweep in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers to making sure it can defend its gold medal in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Coach Tim Cone is making a quick turnaround as he is now set to handle a completely different lineup—and even a completely different system—for the continental showcase set Sept. 10 to 20.

“From what I’ve seen from that team, they’re a lot of fun to watch,” Cone said. “I think the fans and the countrymen are gonna have a lot of fun watching that team.”

An all-PBA squad will comprise the team for the Asiad, with a spot reserved for Justin Brownlee should he decide to return after skipping the window.

NLEx’s Robert Bolick and Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum are among the notable candidates to make the Asiad roster, with their games seemingly fitting the team’s playing style.

On the other hand, three players from the window pool will move into the Asiad buildup: Converge twin towers Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana and Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos.

Abarrientos didn’t make the cut for the window, Baltazar saw limited action against Jordan, while Arana was placed in the final 12 against Iran after Carl Tamayo went down with a sprained ankle.

Cone said Arana had already trained with the Asian Games squad, while Baltazar and Abarrientos will have to get up to speed when they join Tuesday’s practice.

Assistants Richard del Rosario, Josh Reyes and Jong Uichico were tasked to oversee the Asiad preparations while Cone was busy with the Qualifiers, and Cone has allowed that squad to go in a different direction.

“It’s a different system, they’re not playing my system,” Cone said. “They’re playing a different system, and more of an up-tempo, push the ball because they’re a little bit smaller. Obviously they’re smaller because they don’t have Kai [Sotto] and AJ [Edu] and June Mar [Fajardo] playing.

“So they’re smaller, so they’re gonna use their speed and quickness to get up and down the floor. So it’ll be really interesting to watch and see how they play against Jordan or Iran, and kinda compare them to the window team.” INQ

Cody Gakpo was expected to leave Liverpool before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday with Manchester City in the driving seat

Manchester City will prioritise a move for Enzo Fernandez with Cody Gakpo’s move from Liverpool now off. City’s Premier League rivals have blocked a departure for the Holland international, despite the 27-year-old reportedly being keen on a move.

City had made a late dash for the wantaway Liverpool star after the midfielder was left to mull over his options ahead of Bradley Barcola’s arrival on Merseyside. The Athletic reports that Liverpool have rejected City’s offer of £75m plus £5m in add-ons.

Now the focus will switch to reunion for Enzo Maresca and the Chelsea star Fernandez. The Argentinian hasn’t featured in each of the Londoners’ last two games, having made a substitute appearance against Fulham in the opening match.

The Italian head coach has witnessed Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez and key man Rodri exit the Etihad Stadium this summer for moves to Newcastle United and Barcelona, respectively.

Blues icon Bernardo Silva left upon the expiry of his contract last season and City have moved to fix those gaps in the transfer window.

Ayyoub Bouaddi and Ellot Anderson among them after the pair made lucrative moves to the North West while Fernandez is the third midfield addition identified.

It was reported earlier this summer that the 27-year-old wanted to leave Chelsea with links to Real Madrid prevalent. Los Blancos subsequently released a statement that they were not interested in the Argentine but uncertainty has persisted around his future at Stamford Bridge.

FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester City Facebook page

Chelsea had set a deadline of August 14 for the midfielder, which City didn’t meet, and now there is a race against time to complete a move for Fernandez before September 1 when the window slams shut at 11pm.

But Londoners boss Xabi Alonso kept the door open to a possible sale.

He said: “We’ll see. We want the best for the team and that’s why we made the decision against Luton and today and anything that happens before Tuesday evening, we need to be aware of what is going to develop.

“We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios but I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday we will have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games.”

Compare the cheapest flights to Champions League games

Advertisement

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Various Prices

Skyscanner

See the deals here

Skyscanner helps football fans compare the cheapest flights across Europe so they can follow their team’s Champions League campaign, while Booking.com offers deals on flights, accomodation and car rentals.

The football world reacted as Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced his international retirement on Monday (August 31), ending his illustrious career with 125 goals in 207 appearances, both tallies only dwarfed by Cristiano Ronaldo

The 39-year-old won four senior titles with the national team, including one FIFA World Cup (2022), and came within a final win of adding another last month before the Albiceleste lost 1-0 in extra time to Spain.

Having made his international debut in a friendly win over Hungary in August 2005, Messi called time 21 years later after registering a record 193 goal contributions (125 goals, 58 assists) in the international game.

Following Messi’s international retirement, many of his Argentina teammates, club teammates and FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared their thoughts. Here’s what some of them said:

Lionel Messi’s international teammate Rodrigo De Paul wrote on his Instagram Story (as translated from Spanish):

“Just thank you. The greatest of all time. Thank you for making us so incredibly happy. You can’t imagine how many smiles you brought to our faces!! You are eternal.”

Tagliafico wrote on his Instagram Story:

“Eternal thanks @leomessi 💙🤍”

Leandro Paredes wrote on his Instagram Story for his now-retired international teammate (as translated from Spanish):

“We love you, Captain, we’ll be grateful to you for the rest of our lives for…”

Cuti Romero wrote on his Instagram Story (as translated from Spanish):

“I love you. I admire you, and I will always be grateful to you for everything you left in me and for our country. Thank you for so much, captain. 🥹❤️”

Angel Di Maria wrote on Instagram (as per Messi Xtra):

“We will remain grateful to you for our entire lives because you are Argentine, and because you raised the name of Argentina to the top of the world, and because you chose to be Argentine at a time when you could have easily chosen another country. Thank you, Captain. Thank you for everything. The best in history.”

Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Xavi wrote on Instagram (as per Messi Xtra):

“Warmest congratulations, Leo!! You’ve achieved everything you wanted with your country!! Big hug, my friend! ♥️⚽🔝🙏

The Argentina national football team wrote on X:

“Thank you for giving us the most beautiful journey of our lives. Your legacy and professionalism will remain forever etched in our hearts. Thank you, Captain. We love you 🩵.”

Giuliano Simeone wrote on Instagram (as translated from Spanish) about Lionel Messi:

“Thank you, Leo. For everything you did for our country, for everything you made us feel, and for having been an inspiration to so many of us since we were kids. Today, the player we all admire says goodbye to the National Team. But for me, the idol I watched as a kid and whom I was lucky enough to have by my side one day is also saying goodbye. You are eternal. INFINITE THANKS.”

Lisandro Martinez wrote about Lionel Messi (as per Albiceleste Talk):

“A huge sadness, honestly. You’re never prepared for these things, but from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!! You are my example and an example for the whole world, a winner in football and a winner in life!! My daughter will be very proud that her father shared a team with such an extraordinary human being. You are the greatest athlete in history, because when it comes to football, honestly, there is no comparison. I love you so much 😭❤️””

Enzo Fernandez wrote for Lionel Messi:

“I didn’t just get to play with you. We shared training camps, the dressing room, conversations, hugs, difficult moments, incredible moments, and we ended up becoming world champions together. … You always had a word, some advice, a hug, or simply a way of making me feel calm whenever I needed it. I’ll never forget that.

“Today, it’s hard for me to imagine the next training camp without you. … Thank you for treating me the way you did, for everything you taught me, and for allowing me to share a part of your story. “We’re going to miss you so much, captain.” 💙🥺”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote on Instagram:

“Congratulations 🇦🇷@leomessi on an extraordinary international career which has inspired millions and redefined the beautiful game. 👏 … Thank you for every unforgettable memory defending the colors of@afaseleccion. And for uniting fans from every corner of the world. I wish you all the best in your next chapter. ⚽️❤️”

Lionel Messi ends his international career with 21 FIFA World Cup goals, only one shy of record holder Kylian Mbappe.

How Lionel Messi fared for Argentina at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi had a stellar campaign for Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, where Lionel Scaloni’s side narrowly failed to join Italy and Brazil as the only teams to defend their World Cup titles.

In eight games, La Pulga scored eight times and provided four assists in eight matches as the holders fell to Spain in the final. During the campaign, Messi set the record for longest scoring run (9) in the competition.

Lionel Messi also scored or assisted in a record 11 straight World Cup games and set the record for most assists (12) in the competition. He finished two goals short of Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe (10).