Lionel Messi has broken his silence on the “immense pain” he is feeling after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Messi was visibly distraught after missing out on back-to-back titles in what will surely be his final World Cup appearance, with the Argentinian hero turning 39 this tournament.

His side failed to lose with much dignity, with a mass brawl breaking out at full-time as Leandro Paredes threw punches at the celebrating Spanish players.

But Messi has now taken to Instagram to post an emotional statement, less than 24 hours out from that gut-wrenching failure in New Jersey.

“The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal. But I also hold on to all the good,” he said.

“The matches we turned around, giving our all, matches that will forever remain in our memories, the support of an entire country that, together with the hard work and effort of this group, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world.

“Today it’s hard to fully appreciate what we accomplished, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and be together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentinian.

“I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”

Messi did not confirm whether he would retire from international football after Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni cast doubt on the forward’s future.

“He is 39 years old, it is unbelievable,” Scaloni said in a tearful press conference. “It was always crystal clear to me that he would play until he chose to stop and that everyone would support him.

“I hope everyone is proud of him, because he is the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch.”

Messi scored eight goals and made four assists in a fantastic campaign for Argentina.

The 1-0 defeat to Spain, courtesy of an extra-time strike from Ferran Torres, was the only match he failed to contribute a goal in.

It’s hard to argue the World Cup hasn’t been a success — even after United States (US) President Donald Trump’s unprecedented intervention put the tournament’s integrity in jeopardy.  

With Spain claiming its second World Cup title on Sunday, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time, the most lucrative sporting event ever has overcome every hurdle thrown its way. Fifa increased its four-year revenue expectations by about $2 billion on top of earlier World Cup estimates of about $9 billion.

  More than 15 million people filled stadiums and fan festival areas combined during the length of the tournament, the biggest World Cup by attendance, and that’s despite record high ticket prices. Visiting fans and teams heaped praise on their American hosts, a welcome change to increasingly souring opinion toward the country. But Fifa’s obsession with money and power over all else undoubtedly tainted what was otherwise a festive tournament: led by Trump’s intervention on behalf of a suspended American star.

Balogun incident

On Sunday, Spanish midfielder and captain Rodri was handed the World Cup trophy by Fifa boss Gianni Infantino and Trump. The pair were whistled and booed at the game, condemnation amplified by one event in particular.

  During the knockout rounds, Trump had called Infantino and asked if Folarin Balogun, who faced a one-match ban following a red card in a game, could be reinstated for the US in the Round of 16 match against Belgium. Fifa’s disciplinary committee soon suspended that ban for a year, an unprecedented decision. 

  Infantino’s insistence of the committee’s independence was immediately dismissed by fans, who pointed to the Fifa chief’s relentless efforts to ingratiate himself with Trump, including a Fifa Peace Prize that was hastily created and awarded to him last year. Critics saw the series of events as the latest example of deep-rooted corruption in Fifa. 

  The shocking reprieve couldn’t save the US, however, as the it lost 4-1 — an outcome that kept the scandal from completely overshadowing the tournament.  

  This was not the only political incident that raised eyebrows during the games, however: Lionel Messi and other Argentinian players celebrated a semifinal victory over England with a fan’s banner supporting the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands, prompting the UK government to call for a Fifa investigation. 

  Egypt’s coach was seen raising and waving Palestine’s flag following a Round of 32 win over Australia, and the Iranian team complained bitterly as it had to fly in and out of the US every matchday from its base camp in Mexico due to American sanctions. 

More money, more problems

Fifa faces plenty of questions about the future despite the resounding commercial success of this year’s tournament. The new 48-team format, deemed too big by many, produced moving underdog stories with seven teams reaching the knockout phase for the first time. Infantino has floated the idea of further expanding the World Cup to 64 teams in 2030. 

It’s not clear what the right thing is for the World Cup. The tournament has already become huge in size, with 104 games over 39 days. Players are growing increasingly critical of the sheer number of matches that Fifa, leagues and the regional football bodies are asking them to play.

  Fans are also becoming increasingly weary of the sport’s preoccupation with financial gain. In a first for the tournament, Fifa introduced dynamic pricing for World Cup tickets, a system that automatically modifies costs according to real-time demand and available inventory. The results were record high prices.  

  The organisation has even found ways to guarantee more money in the future. Crowds booed lustily during the controversial “hydration breaks” that interrupted this year’s matches. While Fifa has claimed the decision was solely based on players’ well-being during a tournament that took place during punishing heat, the pauses have conveniently provided time for broadcasters — such as Fox in the US — to sell more advertising.   

 With two hydration breaks per match, broadcasters would gain eight new in-game, 30-second advertising slots. This in turn means Fifa could net even larger sums for the next round of media rights sales.

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, his family have confirmed.

Keegan passed away seven weeks after revealing that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. His family had earlier announced in January that he was receiving treatment after doctors carried out further checks on ongoing abdominal problems.

In a statement, the Keegan family said he died peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters.

“Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather,” the statement read. “The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”

Keegan enjoyed a remarkable playing career with Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United. He won two Ballon d’Or awards and became one of England’s greatest footballers.

After retiring as a player, he managed Newcastle United, Fulham, England and Manchester City.

Newcastle United led the tributes, describing Keegan as one of the club’s most loved and influential figures.

“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters,” the club said.

Liverpool also paid tribute, saying his remarkable contribution to the club would never be forgotten, while German side Hamburg described him as one of football’s defining figures.

The Football Association and Manchester City also expressed their condolences to Keegan’s family.

England will honour Keegan’s memory before their UEFA Nations League match against Spain at Wembley on 26 September.Kevin Keegan is remembered as one of England’s finest footballers, with a career that left a lasting mark on club and international football.

Beyond Limits Academy coach Olumide Ajibolade is being considered for the head coach job at former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars.

Remo Stars had a difficult 2025/26 season. After winning the NPFL title two years ago under Daniel Ogunmodede, the club struggled badly and finished 17th on the league table, narrowly avoiding relegation.

Ogunmodede spent much of the season away with the Super Eagles, where he served as an assistant coach, while also attending coaching courses.

The club later appointed Usman Abdallah to help improve results, but he could not lift the team higher up the table. After the season ended, Ogunmodede left to become the new head coach of Kano Pillars, while Abdallah also departed.

Remo Stars have since been searching for a new manager, and Ajibolade is now the leading candidate for the position.

Ajibolade joined the Remo Stars project as the club’s Under-17 coach in 2019 before taking charge of Beyond Limits Academy in 2021.

He has enjoyed great success with the academy, winning several titles, including The Creative Championship (TCC), the Ogun State FA Cup, the Viareggio Cup and the 2026 Gothia Cup.

The coach also guided Beyond Limits to promotion to the NPFL in 2024, showing his ability to lead teams to success.

At national team level, Ajibolade has worked as an assistant coach with Nigeria’s youth teams. He was appointed assistant to Manu Garba in 2024 and currently serves as the first assistant coach to Golden Eaglets head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere.

If appointed, Ajibolade will be expected to help Remo Stars rebuild and challenge for a return to the top positions in the NPFL.

Kevin Keegan (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)

Kevin Keegan, one of English football’s most iconic figures, has died at the age of 75 after battling stage four cancer.The news was confirmed by Newcastle United, the club where Keegan became a legend both as a player and manager. Last month, Keegan had publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.“One of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history,” Newcastle said in a tribute.

A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Keegan enjoyed a glittering playing career that saw him captain England, lift the European Cup with Liverpool and become one of only four Englishmen to win football’s most prestigious individual honour.Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Keegan became a cultural icon during the 1970s. His trademark perm hairstyle inspired footballers across Europe, while his celebrity status extended into television, music and advertising. He released the single “Head Over Heels in Love,” appeared in an aftershave commercial alongside heavyweight boxing great Henry Cooper and regularly featured on television shows.Keegan was also among the first high-profile English footballers to move abroad when he left Liverpool for German club Hamburger SV in 1977 after winning the European Cup.“For Hamburg fans he will remain above all a crowd favorite, an exceptional player, and one of the best footballers ever to wear the rhombus (crest) on his chest,” the Bundesliga club said.His move to Germany proved hugely successful. Keegan won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979 while at Hamburg, helping the club lift the Bundesliga title in 1979 before reaching the 1980 European Cup final, where they were beaten by Nottingham Forest.“Hamburger SV will always cherish the memory of its former championship-winning player and two-time Ballon d’Or winner,” the German club added.Born in Doncaster on February 14, 1951, Keegan began his professional career with Scunthorpe before joining Liverpool in 1971. Under legendary manager Bill Shankly, he formed a prolific strike partnership with John Toshack, helping the Reds secure the league and UEFA Cup double in 1973.During his six-year stay at Anfield, Keegan won three league titles, an FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and the club’s first European Cup in 1977. In that final against Borussia Monchengladbach, he won the penalty that Phil Neal converted in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory.“His legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history,” the club said. “He was regarded as a hero wherever he went.”After returning to England from Germany, Keegan joined Southampton, where he finished as the First Division’s leading scorer with 30 goals in the 1981-82 season before moving to Newcastle United, the club he supported through his father.His tireless work rate and infectious personality quickly made him a fan favourite at St James’ Park before he retired in 1984. He briefly returned to action the following year for two guest appearances with Australian side Blacktown.On the international stage, Keegan scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for England. He captained the national team at Euro 1980 and represented his country at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, his only appearance at football’s biggest tournament after England failed to qualify for the 1974 and 1978 editions.Keegan later enjoyed a memorable managerial career that lasted from 1992 to 2008. His greatest achievement on the touchline came at Newcastle, where he guided the club from the second division to the brink of the Premier League title in the 1995-96 season.That campaign became famous for both Newcastle’s attacking football, which earned them the nickname “The Entertainers”, and Keegan’s emotional television outburst directed at Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.“You can tell him now, we’re still fighting for this title. And he’s got to go to Middlesbrough and get something. And I’ll tell you … honestly … I will love it if we beat them, love it,” Keegan said.Despite leading the table by 12 points in February, Newcastle eventually finished four points behind Ferguson’s Manchester United.Keegan also managed Fulham, England and Manchester City. His spell as England manager lasted from 1999 to 2000 and ended after a 1-0 defeat to Germany in a World Cup qualifier at the old Wembley Stadium. He famously informed Football Association officials of his resignation during an emotional conversation inside a toilet cubicle.He returned for a second spell at Newcastle in 2008 but resigned after nine months following a breakdown in his relationship with club owner Mike Ashley. He never returned to management, instead remaining involved in football through television punditry.Keegan leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of England’s greatest footballers, a pioneering Ballon d’Or winner, an unforgettable manager and one of the sport’s most charismatic personalities.

Pep Guardiola has reportedly emerged as Italy’s top choice for the national team job after holding talks with football legends Paolo Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona.

According to Sky Sports Italia, Maldini and Leonardo travelled to Spain to meet the former Manchester City manager and discuss the vacant Italy head coach position. The meeting reportedly lasted longer than expected and may have continued throughout the weekend.

Photos of Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona circulated on social media, fuelling reports that they were trying to convince Guardiola to take charge of the Azzurri.

However, Guardiola has repeatedly said he is enjoying his break from football and is not ready to return to management.

Speaking recently, the 55-year-old explained that he wanted to step away from the game to focus on his personal life.

“From a mental standpoint, I don’t miss anything at all,” Guardiola said.

He added that he wanted to spend more time with his children and his 95-year-old father while adjusting to life away from football.

Although Italy see Guardiola as their preferred candidate, his decision to remain on sabbatical has made any potential move difficult.

The Italian Football Federation is also considering other options. Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo have both been linked with the role, while recent reports claim Antonio Conte has already reached an agreement to become the new Italy manager.

Guardiola has also been mentioned as a possible future England coach following the Three Lions’ disappointing World Cup campaign, with several football pundits suggesting he could replace Thomas Tuchel if the role becomes available.

From Madrid to Barcelona, Spanish fans were out in full force to celebrate their team’s win. It took 11 shots to get them the 1-0 victory over Argentina. Meanwhile, in Buenos Aires, fans still celebrated late into the night, despite coming in second place for Lionel Messi’s last World Cup outing.

Terence Crawford cemented his place amongst the pound-for-pound greats when he dethroned Canelo Alvarez last year, and now fellow modern boxing legend Oleksandr Usyk has revealed how he believes ‘Bud’ would have fared against the iconic Sugar Ray Leonard.

Crawford became boxing’s sixth five-division world champion when he got the better of super-middleweight poster boy Canelo back in September.

There, he also became the only post-war fighter to have captured the undisputed crown in three different weight-classes – having already achieved the feat at both super-lightweight and welterweight.

Shortly after that history-making triumph, Crawford made the decision to walk away from the sport with his undefeated record intact, content with a career that finished with a record of 42-0.

Meanwhile, Sugar Ray Leonard is hailed for his efforts in the 1980s, when he battled with his fellow ‘Four Kings’ and got the better of each of Robert Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler. 

After Hearns became boxing’s first five-division champion on November 4, 1988, Leonard joined him as the sport’s second quintuple champion just three days later when Leonard got his hands on both the WBC super-middleweight and WBC light-heavyweight gold in a knockout win over Donny Lalonde.

Yet, despite the skill, will and legacy of Leonard, Usyk told Daily Mail Sport that he thinks Crawford would have got the better of the Wilmington-born sensation if they were to meet in their primes.

Usyk also predicted that Crawford would have overcome Pernell Whitaker, Floyd Mayweather and Sugar Ray Robinson – a testament to the regard in which the Ukrainian holds Crawford, who had been considered as his pound-for-pound rival before his retirement.