LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, officially ending one of the greatest international careers of all time.

Inter Miami CF's legendary No. 10 confirmed the news on his social media account, calling it a "decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come.

"I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football."

Argentina icon

Messi retires from international duty as a national team hero, rivalled only by the late Diego Armando Maradona. 

His 125 goals, 68 assists and 207 appearances are all Argentina records, while he ranks top-four all-time in caps, top-two in goals and No. 1 in assists across international soccer. 

The 39-year-old reached his greatest heights with La Albiceleste at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, leading the country to its third title with 7g/3a over the course of a memorable tournament that culminated with a legendary final win over France. 

Messi also won two Copa Américas (2021, '24) with Argentina, and reached the 2014 and 2026 World Cup finals. He is the only player in history to win two World Cup Golden Ball awards (2014, '22) and the only player to start three World Cup finals (2014, '22, '26).

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 🩵 pic.twitter.com/ARfgguHjxd

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) August 31, 2026

Emotional end

Monday's announcement capped an emotional summer for Messi, who guided Argentina to their second straight World Cup final with 8g/4a in eight games, before falling to Spain, 1-0, in the 2026 title match. 

That turned out to be his last appearance with La Albiceleste. It also came a few weeks before the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner mourned the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.

"I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final," Messi concluded in his statement.

"Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."

🚨🚨 LEO MESSI ON IG 🥹🎥 pic.twitter.com/8xO5lcfI2e

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) August 31, 2026

Statement in full

Messi, the most decorated soccer player in history, addressed his millions of followers on Monday to officially announce the end of his remarkable 21-year run with Argentina:

"After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team.

"It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.

"Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad, especially the bad).

"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey, so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!

"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

"Let's go, Argentina!

"I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."

Jaime Uribarri

FIA CONFIRMS THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST TWO AUDO ASSESSMENT PERIOD

The FIA has confirmed the results of the first two Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) assessment periods for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with no Power Unit manufacturer receiving any additional homologation upgrades following the second review.

ADUO was introduced for the 2026 regulations as a mechanism designed to help manufacturers whose Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) performance falls significantly behind the benchmark. Rather than acting as a traditional Balance of Performance system, the mechanism gives eligible manufacturers additional opportunities to develop their power units, alongside increased Cost Cap and dyno testing allowances.

The FIA evaluates the ICE performance of each manufacturer during three defined periods of the season. The assessment is based on an ICE Performance Index incorporating factors including input shaft torque, engine speed, MGU-K power and the impact of power sensitivity on lap time.

A manufacturer becomes eligible for ADUO when its ICE Performance Index is at least 2% behind the best-performing ICE.

Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari and Honda benefited from first review

The first ADUO assessment period was originally intended to cover the opening six races of the season. However, changes to the 2026 calendar resulting from the disruption in the Middle East meant that the period was adjusted to cover the first five races, ending with the Canadian Grand Prix.

The FIA subsequently confirmed that Mercedes fell within the 2-4% performance deficit window. As a result, the German manufacturer was granted one additional homologation opportunity for 2026 and another for 2027.

Audi, Ferrari and Honda were found to be more than 4% behind the leading ICE during the first assessment period. They therefore received two additional homologation opportunities for 2026 and two more for 2027.

All four manufacturers also received corresponding increases to their Cost Cap and dyno testing allowances.

No manufacturer qualifies after the Hungarian Grand Prix

The second ADUO review covered races six through 11, from the Monaco Grand Prix through to the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Following its analysis, the FIA confirmed that no Power Unit manufacturer was granted any additional homologation upgrades during the second period.

The governing body has not disclosed the individual performance figures behind its decision, citing the confidential nature of the data and the intellectual property of the manufacturers.

This means that none of the manufacturers accumulated a new set of ADUO upgrade opportunities as a result of the second review.

The FIA has nevertheless stressed that its analysis was extensive and that it has a high level of confidence in the results.

“The FIA has undertaken thorough and exhaustive analysis as part of our ADUO review process,” FIA Director of Single Seater Nikolas Tombazis said. “With the release of the findings of period 2, we are confident that, based on the quality of the data, its analysis is incredibly robust, giving us a high level of confidence in our findings.”

Tombazis added that 2026 is the first season in which ADUO has been implemented, meaning that some aspects of the system could be refined in future years through discussions with the Power Unit manufacturers.

What exactly does ADUO allow?

ADUO is not designed to artificially equalise performance on track. Manufacturers do not receive additional fuel flow, ballast adjustments or other direct performance advantages.

Instead, the system provides additional financial and development freedom to manufacturers that are sufficiently behind the leading ICE.

A manufacturer between 2% and 4% behind the best-performing ICE receives one additional homologation opportunity in the current season and another in the following season.

If the deficit is at least 4%, the manufacturer receives two additional upgrades in the current season and two more in the following campaign.

The financial allowances also increase according to the size of the performance gap. Manufacturers between 2% and 4% behind can receive up to $3 million outside their Cost Cap calculation, while the allowance rises to $4.65 million for a 4-6% deficit, $6.35 million for 6-8%, and $8 million for 8-10%.

For a manufacturer at least 10% behind, the allowance can reach $11 million per ADUO period. In 2026 only, such a manufacturer could also bring forward up to $8 million of Cost Cap allowance from future periods.

Upgrades are not limited to the ICE

Although ICE performance determines whether a manufacturer qualifies for ADUO, the additional upgrades themselves are not restricted solely to the combustion engine.

The regulations allow eligible manufacturers to make changes to a broad range of Power Unit components, including certain ICE elements, the exhaust system, turbocharger and wastegate or pop-off systems.

Eligible areas can also include electrical components and sensors mounted to the ICE or exhaust, the Energy Recovery System and its cooling systems, the MGU-K and Control Electronics. Certain hydraulic functions, fluids and ballast are also covered by the regulations.

This gives manufacturers considerable freedom in deciding where additional development resources can have the greatest performance impact.

The opportunities are not simply carried over

ADUO upgrades are also subject to strict timing rules. Additional homologation opportunities granted for a particular season must be used during that season. Any unused opportunity expires at the end of the relevant campaign and cannot simply be carried over indefinitely.

There is, however, an important exception when opportunities for the following season are awarded. If a manufacturer qualifies for ADUO again in the subsequent season, unused opportunities awarded from the previous year's assessment can potentially be combined with the new allocation.

This means that a manufacturer could, under the regulations, introduce four upgrades in a single season if it received two opportunities from the previous year's ADUO assessment and another two from a new assessment.

Final 2026 assessment still to come

The second review may not have produced any new opportunities, but the ADUO process is not yet complete for 2026. The third and final assessment period will cover races 12 through 18, beginning with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort and ending with the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The results of that review will determine whether any manufacturer falls at least 2% behind the leading ICE and therefore qualifies for additional development opportunities.

For Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari and Honda, the first-period allowances remain available according to the rules governing their respective 2026 and 2027 allocations. No new allowances were added after Period 2.

The final assessment will therefore be closely watched, particularly as manufacturers continue to develop their 2026 power units and the competitive picture evolves during the second half of the season.

With ADUO being introduced for the first time this year, its final 2026 review will also provide an important indication of how effective the new system is at giving struggling manufacturers additional development freedom without turning Formula 1 into a conventional Balance of Performance championship.

- Balazs Szabouu

EDDY MERCKX VS. TADEJ POGACAR | 1973 VS. 2026 | TOUR DE FRANCE 2026

 

FATHERS AND SONES | 32 YEARS LATER | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

 

MAX VERSTAPPEN EXPECTED TO QUIT F1 FOLLOWING SHOCK RED BULL DEPARTURE

Not only is Max Verstappen unhappy with F1's current regulations, his long-time ally Gianpiero Lambiase is leaving

@XPBimages

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes the exit of Gianpiero Lambiase has all but guaranteed that Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull at the end of the current season.

It was announced last week that Lambiase will leave the Milton Keynes-based outfit when his contract concludes at the end of 2027, completing a shock move to McLaren.

At McLaren, Lambiase’s role will be chief racing officer, rather than race engineer for either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri.

It is believed that McLaren’s plan is eventually to make Lambiase its team principal, kickstarting a new chapter for the 45-year-old.

Lambiase has served as Verstappen’s race engineer since the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, with the pair building an exceptional working relationship during that time.

In Palmer’s view, the departure of Verstappen’s long-time ally is just another nail in the coffin at a time when the Dutchman is already unhappy, making an exit this year highly likely.

Asked if Lambiase's exit increases the chances of Verstappen leaving Red Bull, Palmer told the F1 Nation podcast: "That’s exactly how I see it. I think we’re already talking about Max probably leaving the team at some point.

"You’ve got Red Bull not being competitive, and not having the easiest route back to being competitive, given where they’re at when you factor in all the personnel who have left.

"For me, GP is such a linchpin for him; it sort of connects the driver to the team. I see this news as offering a more in-depth understanding of another reason why Max isn’t particularly happy in the team.

"And on many levels, I just don’t see him sticking around particularly long, probably beyond the end of this year, unless they have a concrete plan in place and a clear sign of progress."

- Nick Golding

CONGO 1-1 TANZANIA | TANZANIA'S COACH ON NOT WINNING THE MATCH | FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING MATCH

 

MIKE TYSON & FLOYD MAYWEATHER SET FOR SPRING 2026 MATCHUP IN BATTLE OF BOXING LEGENDS

The exhibition match between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather has been officially announced, marking a unique chapter in boxing history that will see two icons return to the ring in spring 2026.

The event was confirmed by production company CSI Sports, which will facilitate broadcast and promotional coverage for the fight. Although the date and venue have not yet been specified, both fighters have signed contracts.

Mike Tyson Vs. Floyd Mayweather

Mike Tyson, who turns 60 next year, is returning after his last ring appearance in November 2024 – a loss to Jake Paul. His professional career featured 50 wins out of 59 contests, including 44 by knockout. Tyson held the world heavyweight title and remains a central figure in the heavyweight division’s history.

Floyd Mayweather, age 48, retired unbeaten following a career spanning five different weight classes, with 50 victories and no defeats. His last official bout occurred in 2017 against Conor McGregor. Since retirement, Mayweather has made several exhibition appearances, most recently facing John Gotti III in August 2025.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 15: Mike Tyson (in black short) and Jake Paul (in silver short) exchange punches during their heavyweight world titles of the Premiere Boxing Championship on Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States on November 15, 2024. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Mayweather described the upcoming exhibition as “legendary,” emphasizing his continued legacy in the sport and declaring, “You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. I’m the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want”.

Event Details

CSI Sports organizers noted their ambition for the event to break broadcast, streaming, and economic records previously set by Tyson’s 2024 fight. Tyson and Mayweather are expected to compete under special exhibition rules, meaning the result will not affect their professional records. The event is being positioned as “Legend vs. Legend,” with both fighters’ promotional teams and Fight Sports listed as partners. CSI Sports plans to introduce new in-ring technology designed to reshape live boxing presentation and scoring going forward.

Weight And Regulation

Tyson typically fought at heavyweight, weighing 228.4 pounds in a recent bout with Jake Paul; Mayweather’s most recent bouts were in the welterweight division, with his weight at 160.8 pounds against John Gotti III. The exhibition status of the fight allows for flexibility in weight and other conditions.

Broadcasting And Promotion

No broadcasting partner has been finalized, but the involvement of executives with backgrounds at ESPN, DAZN, HBO, and Showtime indicates strong competition for rights. Netflix, which previously aired Tyson’s match with Jake Paul, may also be in contention as a global streaming provider. The Tyson vs. Mayweather exhibition is set to be one of the most talked-about events in contemporary boxing, uniting two generations of fans and highlighting the sport’s evolving dynamics.

- Timothy Wheaton

WHY CADILLAC WILL USE RIVAL'S CAR FOR F1 TESTING DEBUT

The Cadillac team will conduct on-track Formula 1 testing this year using a car supplied by another team as it ramps up preparations for its debut in 2026. 

Sergio Perez, who was officially confirmed today as a Cadillac race driver for next year, says “there are some plans with the team to test [a] Formula 1 car before the end of the year".

Valtteri Bottas, who has also been announced as his team-mate, is under contract to Mercedes, so will continue to conduct reserve driver duties for the rest of the year, meaning it’s Perez who will primarily be available for test running in ’25. 

Cadillac will not have a car of its own available until pre-season testing begins in late January next year, but it is permitted to run a car provided by another team.

Although Cadillac has not confirmed what machinery it will use, it would be logical for it to run a Ferrari under TPC [testing of previous cars, which permits the use of 2022-2024 F1 machinery] regulations. 

While beneficial for Perez, who has been out of F1 since the end of last season, it is primarily of value to help the team’s preparations.

It will be part of what’s internally called the ‘race ready’ programme, designed to get Cadillac as sharp as possible ahead of its debut in Australia next March, which is currently focused on race weekends in terms of simulated running. 

“We don’t have a TPC car or a current car that we can operate, but we are already simulating race events,” said team principal Graeme Lowdon when asked by The Race about testing plans. 

“The next one that we're doing is Monza, and we simulate it as if it is a complete race, from start to finish with full integration of everybody in the team from Thursday all the way through to Sunday.

“We’ve got a very clear plan in our build-up to Melbourne next year and it doesn't involve just simulating races, which is really, really important. The last one we simulated, we probably had 50 or 60 engineering people fully involved over the whole weekend, both in the UK and the US, all getting used to working with each other.

"And we need to be in a position that when we get to Melbourne, we're not in a position where people are hearing voices for the first time, or working with each other for the first time, or anything else like that.

“And we’ll be introducing car testing as well this year. Obviously, we have to work with others to be able to do that, but there's that's perfectly allowable under the regulations.

“We just have a plan to steadily build up so that when we get to Melbourne, we hit the ground running, and the drivers themselves play such an important part in it. And the one thing I can tell you, just spending time with them is, I don't want to put words in their mouths, but there's a huge amount of enthusiasm to get going.”

The extent of the on-track programme is not clear, but in keeping with Lowdon's intention to prepare the team it is likely to involve a full complement of operational trackside personnel, or as close to that as possible, with the intention to simulate parts of the race weekend.

- Edd Straw, Scott Mitchell-Malm

2026 F1 CARS TO REACH 400 KM/H

Formula 1 is about to get a whole lot faster. Mercedes has revealed its 2026 F1 cars could push the limits of physics and touch an insane 400 km/h on track. ⁠

To put that in perspective, that’s Bugatti Chiron territory… only with open wheels, zero margin for error, and drivers who are basically strapped to rockets in fireproof overalls. ⁠

The new regulations, smaller chassis, and aero tweaks are designed to make the cars lighter and more efficient, and Mercedes engineers clearly believe the ceiling hasn’t been reached yet. ⁠

Whether they actually crack 400 or not, the arms race is on. Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren the pressure’s now squarely on them. ⁠

The 2026 era is shaping up wild.⁠

#f1

- DMARGE

HOSTS OF FIFA WORLD CUP

 FIFA WORLD CUP 

2026

🇺🇲🇲🇽🇨🇦: Usa, Mexico, Canada)

2030

🇪🇸🇵🇹🇲🇦🇺🇾🇦🇷🇵🇾: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay)

2034

🇸🇦: Saudi Arabia)

FORD PROVIDE UPDATE ON ALL-NEW RED BULL F1 ENGINE

© XPBimages
Ford

Ford has shared further insight into the development of Red Bull's F1 power unit for 2026, the team's first season as an engine manufacturer.

Mark Rushbrook, global director at Ford performance, has outlined how the project is going from the American car giant's perspective, which has entered a partnership with the Milton Keynes-based squad to see in the new era of F1 power unit regulations.

With Honda leaving for Aston Martin, Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) is making good on its initial plans to become an OEM (before the Japanese marque reversed its decision to leave the championship), with Ford by its side.

With significant changes to how F1 engines will work from next season, the technical and strategic relationship between Red Bull and Ford is of paramount importance to how the six-time constructors' champions perform next term - and beyond.

"The partnership is actually getting stronger every day, from the first discussions and the moment the contract was signed, although the work had already started before that," Rushbrook told the Dutch branch of Motorsport.com.

"We are contributing in a number of ways. In general, we are on track with our timeline for the ICE [internal combustion engine] and the electrical components.

"There is obviously still a lot of work to do and a lot to prove in terms of durability, but the partnership - the openness, the trust and the contribution from both sides - has been excellent so far. It's everything we hoped for and actually more than we expected."

The original remit of the partnership was for Ford to handle power unit electronics for the team, but the scope has broadened, including to the producing of the ICE.

Now, Red Bull is utilising even more expertise and resources at Ford's disposal. "Initially the focus was on electrification," Rushbrook explained. "But with our advanced manufacturing facility and our [3D] printing machines, we can make things in real time.

"We are literally making things every day that come out of Dearborn, are shipped and are tested in the lab in Milton Keynes."

Is the power unit reaching its targets?

Rushbrook also confirmed the power unit is currently meeting its targets, but was keen to stress that to "achieve everything 100 percent" is not a realistic expectation.

When asked if targets are currently being reached and that everything is going according to plan, he highlighted the need to be reactive to how development unfolds.

"Yes, although of course there are always exceptions because you can never achieve everything 100 percent," he replied.

"But when it comes to achieving the power numbers, then absolutely. Then it's about the reliability tests to match that.

"Do you achieve everything perfectly? No, but that's the reality of any programme. It just happens as you go along and then it's about how you respond, in terms of urgency and in terms of the mindset of the people. So we respond to what we see."

He added: "When the engine develops and finds more power, then of course it's always about testing reliability. So it's: power, reliability, power, reliability."

- Samuel Coop

STATEMENT ON GENERAL MOTORS APPLICATION TO JOIN FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2026

 

UEFA PICKS BUDAPEST TO HOST 2026 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL BUT DELAYS 2027 DECISION ON SAN SIRO

AP

 DUBLIN (AP) — UEFA picked Budapest on Wednesday to host the men’s Champions League final in 2026 and delayed giving the 2027 game to Milan amid uncertainty over the future of San Siro.

The Puskás Arena and San Siro were the only two candidates for the two finals scheduled to be awarded. The next final on June 1 is at Wembley Stadium in London and Bayern Munich’s home will host next year.

The iconic San Siro, formally known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza and owned by the city of Milan, has been under long-term threat of demolition. Its shared tenants AC Milan and Inter Milan have looked for new homes they can own.

UEFA put off a decision until a September meeting of its executive committee subject to the Italian soccer federation “submitting information on refurbishment plans” for San Siro.

Earlier Wednesday, uncertainly increased in Milan as ownership of Inter switched from Chinese corporation Suning to United States investors Oaktree because of failure to repay debts.

The 75,000-seat San Siro still could host the European Cup or Champions League final for the fifth time, one year after staging the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The 70,000-seat Puskás Arena opened five years ago and has been a go-to venue for UEFA, hosting a Europa League final last year and replacement games during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is a big fan of soccer and billionaire banker Sándor Csányi is a FIFA vice president representing UEFA.

UEFA’s executive committee also sent the Women’s Champions League final in 2026 to Oslo, Norway.

Istanbul will host the 2026 Europa League final in the downtown stadium of Besiktas and the 2027 game is going to Eintracht Frankfurt’s home. The 2025 Europa final is in Athletic Bilbao’s stadium, which also hosts the Women’s Champions League final next week.

The third-tier Conference League final in 2026 will also go to Germany, in Leipzig, and in 2027 to Istanbul, potentially also at the Besiktas stadium though that could change.

The Turkish soccer federation said it hopes the 2027 final can move to the new stadium being built in the capital Ankara ahead of the country co-hosting the men's European Championship with Italy in 2032.

Turkey gets to host European finals in back-to-back years while the Romanian national stadium in Bucharest, which last hosted a Europa League final in 2012, lost in votes to bring that title match back.

The Israeli soccer federation had originally entered the Conference League bidding contest last year proposing Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem.

In other UEFA executive committee business ahead of the Europa League final, trials of safe standing areas for fans at European club competition games was extended next season to Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal and Scotland.

The UEFA-recognized Football Supporters Europe group has run a “Europe Wants to Stand” campaign and welcomed the new additions to consent for trials over the last two seasons in England, France and Germany. Also on the permitted list are Italy and Spain.

“Standing at matches positively contributes to the atmosphere of games enormously, is a significant element of fan culture across the continent, and helps to lower the pricing for these games generally," FSE executive director Ronan Evain said in a statement.

- GRAHAM DUNBAR