Monday, 31 August 2026
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
EVERTON MAKE BID FOR MONACO STRIKER BALOGUN
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| Balogun joined AS Monaco from Arsenal in 2023 |
Everton have made an offer for Monaco forward Folarin Balogun - who is valued at £40m by the French club.
The Toffees want to strengthen their forward line before Tuesday's transfer deadline, with Balogun and Tottenham attacker Richarlison among their targets.
Richarlison is believed to have reservations about returning to Everton, the club he left to join Spurs in 2022.
But Everton are pressing ahead with their interest in United States striker Balogun and have made a bid for the 25-year-old.
Whether the offer is enough for Monaco to part with Balogun remains to be seen.
But the former Arsenal player has emerged as a key target for Everton ahead of the deadline.
Balogun was at the centre of a major controversy during this summer's World Cup.
He was dismissed for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 match and should have received an automatic suspension.
However, Fifa's disciplinary committee suspended his ban for a year - a decision that prompted widespread condemnation, particularly when it emerged US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied football's world governing body about the American's sanction, external.
Balogun, who scored three goals at the World Cup, was able to start the USA's last-16 defeat by Belgium - a decision European football's governing body Uefa called "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable".
The head of Fifa's disciplinary committee refused to answer BBC questions about the decision-making process which led to Balogun avoiding a ban.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino denied having influence over disciplinary decisions.
England's Jarell Quansah was similarly shown a red card in England's 3-2 win over Mexico following a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, and the same committee ruled he should serve a two-match ban.
It was classed as serious foul play, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen player was handed an extra match on top of the automatic one-game suspension by Fifa.
- Sami Mokbel
GABRIEL JESUS' FIRST WORDS AFTER ARRIVING IN BARCELONA AHEAD OF €10 MOVE: 'EAGER TO SCORE GOALS'
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| Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images |
Barcelona are moving a step closer to completing the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.
The Brazilian forward is set to join the club on a €10 million contract, with an additional €4 million in add-ons and Arsenal retaining a 20% sell-on fee clause.
Gabriel is slated for a medical today in Barcelona and ahead of that medical, the player appears to have already arrived in the city.
Gabriel reacts after arriving at Barcelona
Spanish journalist Victor Navarro has captured videos of Gabriel Jesus arriving in the Barcelona city this afternoon, ahead of his medical.
The forward can be seen waving the fans and even reacting to his Barcelona move for the first time after the speculations broke.
“I am eager to score many goals at Barça!” said the Arsenal forward, who is being signed as a momentary alternative to Julian Alvarez.
The Argentine was Barcelona’s top target this summer but Atletico Madrid were able to keep hold of the striker, prompting the club to sign Gabriel as an alternative.
The former Man City starlet, who was targeted by Barça way back in 2016, will be expected to operate as a number nine whenever required.
Gabriel arrives fully fit
Apart from waving at fans and showing his eagerness to getting things started at Barcelona, Gabriel Jesus offered a critical update no his fitness as well.
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| Gabriel Jesus is soon expected to complete his move to Barcelona. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images) |
When asked about his injury situation, the forward replied, “My injury? My knee it’s perfect!”
This will serve as a massive relief for Barcelona fans who were worried about Gabriel’s recent issues with injury, which had drastically reduced his game-time.
With Gabriel now back to full fitness, it will be interesting to see whether or not the Brazilian international can rekindle his old form and make a big difference at Barcelona.
The forward’s past experience, coupled with his versatility in the final third should make quite the asset for Hansi Flick, but only if he can perform up to his level this season.
- Connell Edgar-Jones
LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY
Lionel Messi has RETIRED from the Argentinian national team 🥺🇦🇷
👕 207 games
⚽️ 125 goals
🅰️ 68 assists
🏆 World Cup
🏆🏆 Copa América
🏆 Finalissima
A true great on the international stage who delivered two of the greatest World Cup performances in 2022 and 2026 🙌🐐
- OneFootball
TANZANIA U-19 WOMEN’S CRICKET TEAM TARGETS WORLD CUP TICKET AS AFRICA QUALIFIER BEGINSTanzania U-19 Women’s cricket team captain Saumu Deo (centre) speaks about the team’s preparations ahead of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 2026, which will take place in Dar es Salaam from August 30 to September 5, 2026.
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| Tanzania U-19 Women’s cricket team captain Saumu Deo (centre) speaks about the team’s preparations ahead of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 2026, which will take place in Dar es Salaam from August 30 to September 5, 2026. |
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania U-19 Women’s cricket head coach Imran Nackerdien has challenged his players to become “thinking cricketers” capable of making the right decisions under pressure as they battle for Africa’s sole ticket to the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027.
Nackerdien said preparations for the tournament have gone beyond the technical aspects of the game, with players being encouraged to read match situations, make informed decisions and take responsibility on the field.
“This tournament is not just all about cricket; it’s about thinking cricketers. That’s what we’re trying to produce — thinking cricketers on and off the field,” Nackerdien said.
Tanzania today welcomes seven of the continent’s most promising young women’s cricket teams for the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1, which gets underway at the TCA Cricket Arena at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and runs until September 5, 2026.
The qualifier features eight African teams, with the winner securing the continent’s place at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027.
FOCUS ON DECISION-MAKING
Nackerdien acknowledged that playing on home soil brings additional expectations, but said Tanzania should also view hosting the tournament as a privilege and make the most of the opportunity to play international cricket in front of home supporters.
“Obviously, there is a lot of pressure being the home side, but also the privilege of being the host nation,” he said.
The coach explained that the team’s preparations have focused on helping players remain composed and think through different situations during matches.
He said the players have been trained to assess their position in a game, including keeping an eye on the scoreboard and determining how best to position themselves after a certain number of overs.
According to Nackerdien, the ability to understand match situations and respond intelligently will be critical as Tanzania faces strong opposition from across the continent.
He also emphasised the importance of unity and fighting spirit, saying both qualities will be vital if Tanzania is to overcome the challenge posed by its opponents.
SAUMU DEO TARGETS HOME-SOIL TRIUMPH
Meanwhile, Tanzania Women’s National Team captain Saumu Deo has set her sights on keeping the trophy on home soil.
Deo said the players are ready to give their best from the opening match through to the final and make full use of the support from home fans.
“We have promised that the trophy will remain at home. We will give our best from the beginning to the end, with energy and confidence,” she said.
With home advantage, strong support from local fans and a squad eager to make its mark, Tanzania will now look to turn its preparations into results as the race for Africa’s coveted ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 ticket begins in Dar es Salaam.
YADONG SONG'S TEAM PREDICTED EXACT UPPERCUT KO OF UMAR NURMAGOMEDOV
Yadong Song’s team planned for an uppercut finish throughout training camp.
Song firmly put himself in title contention in the Ultimate Fighting Championship with the biggest victory of his career, finishing Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round of the UFC Shanghai headliner. The Chinese bantamweight’s coaches identified the route to victory long before fight night.
Yadong Song explains the preparation behind his UFC Shanghai knockout of Umar Nurmagomedov
After his knockout victory, Song revealed he had specifically prepared the uppercut as a counter to Nurmagomedov's takedown attempts. “The Kung Fu Kid” claimed that his boxing coach identified where the Dagestani was vulnerable and they repeatedly worked on the finishing sequence he pulled off at UFC Shanghai.
Song explained that his team anticipated Nurmagomedov shooting with his head dipping towards the left side and worked on counters to that movement.
“My boxing coach, Rudy Hernandez, he already told me, ‘You gonna get the knockout tonight with uppercut,’” Song said in a post-fight interview. “We’ve been working on that. We know he gonna shoot from the left side and we find the uppercut.”
In the same interview, Song claimed that he’d finish current champ Petr Yan and former champ Sean O’Malley in rematches after they previously outpointed him. He also fancies himself against Merab Dvalishvili.
“I feel like I can finish everyone,” Song added. “You know, I can, I can finish Petr. I can finish Merab, you know. So even Sean's fight is very close. You know, if a rematch, I can finish him too.”
“I feel like I can finish anyone.”
Song Yadong (@SongYaDongLFG) leaves Shanghai with a massive statement win as he looks to make his case for a shot at UFC gold
Main Card Results ➡️ https://t.co/G8E8FUHUKb pic.twitter.com/RqmEBkWorf
— UFC News (@UFCNews) August 29, 2026
5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT UMAR NURMAGOMEDOV AFTER UFC SHANGHAI
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| Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Merab Dvalishvili (red gloves) fights Umar Nurmagomedov (blue gloves) during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images |
No fighter in the UFC carries a heavier surname than Umar Nurmagomedov. It has opened doors for him, and it has been used against him in every argument about whether he's earned his place. This Saturday in Shanghai, he headlines against Song Yadong in a fight that will likely decide who gets the next crack at the bantamweight belt. Here are five things worth knowing before he walks out.
1. HE DIDN'T ACTUALLY GROW UP ALONGSIDE KHABIB
The assumption is that Umar was raised inside the Nurmagomedov dynasty. He wasn't.
Umar Magomednabiyevich Nurmagomedov was born on January 3, 1996 in Kizilyurt, Dagestan, and spent most of his childhood in his native village — not in Makhachkala with his famous cousin. He started in freestyle wrestling as a kid, but coaching disruptions pushed him away from it, and he turned to Thai boxing instead. His younger brother Usman followed him into the same discipline.
Only later did the two brothers move to Makhachkala and join their uncle, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, at Eagles MMA — the same camp that produced Khabib and Islam Makhachev. Umar went on to earn International Master of Sport status in combat sambo. Today he splits his work between Eagles MMA and American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.
He is well aware of what people say about him:
"It's not my fault that I was born as Khabib's cousin."
His full point was sharper than the soundbite — that there's a narrative he was handed everything on a silver platter and never had to take the hard road other fighters take. His answer this time was to go through the division instead of around it.
2. HIS YOUNGER BROTHER IS A WORLD CHAMPION IN HIS OWN RIGHT
Usman Nurmagomedov, born April 17, 1998 in the same city, is not a footnote. He's the former Bellator and current PFL lightweight champion, and he's still undefeated — 22 wins, zero losses, with one result overturned to a no contest. He defended the belt by knockout in July 2026 and became a free agent shortly after.
Two brothers from Kizilyurt, two world-level careers, one still chasing a UFC title. The family record speaks for itself, but so does the pressure attached to it.
3. BEFORE MERAB, NOBODY HAD PUT HIM ON HIS BACK
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| Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Merab Dvalishvili (red gloves) celebrates after winning a UFC bantamweight title fight against Umar Nurmagomedov (blue gloves) during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images |
This is the number that explains why Umar was fast-tracked in the first place. Going into the third round of his title fight with Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311, Umar Nurmagomedov had never been taken down in his professional career. Not once.
Dvalishvili changed that, and then kept changing it, taking the decision 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 — the first loss of Umar's career. But the context matters: Umar broke his left hand during the fight and fought most of it compromised. He was competitive across five rounds against a champion who was in the middle of one of the most dominant runs the division has ever seen.
Take the Dvalishvili night out of the equation and his record on the scorecards is close to spotless. He swept Mario Bautista 30-27 across all three cards. He beat Cory Sandhagen 50-45, 49-46, 49-46 in a five-round main event, converting at least one takedown in every round.
4. THE FINISHES HAVE DISAPPEARED
Here's the problem with his résumé, and it's a real one.
Umar's last stoppage win came in January 2023, when he knocked out Raoni Barcelos in the first round. Since then: a decision over Bekzat Almakhan, a decision over Sandhagen, the decision loss to Dvalishvili, a decision over Bautista, and a decision over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324. Five consecutive fights, five trips to the scorecards.
Against Figueiredo he landed 34 significant strikes to 8, took him down twice, and never attempted a submission. That's the pattern — control, accumulate, win clearly, don't gamble.
For a fighter whose record includes seven submission wins out of 20, that shift is striking. As the level of opposition has climbed, the risk-taking has fallen off. And in a division where Sean O'Malley is sitting at No. 2 with knockout power and a bigger name, a sixth straight decision may not be enough to jump the queue.
5. BEAT SONG, AND HE'LL HOLD FIVE WINS OVER THE CURRENT TOP 15
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| Mar 9, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Song Yadong (blue gloves) fights Peter Yan (red gloves) during UFC 299 at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports |
If Umar gets his hand raised in Shanghai, his bantamweight résumé will read like this against the current rankings:
- No. 4 Mario Bautista
- No. 5 Cory Sandhagen
- No. 6 Song Yadong
- No. 9 Deiveson Figueiredo
- No. 13 Raoni Barcelos
Five wins over ranked opposition, plus a competitive five-round loss to a dominant champion. That's a contender's file by any standard.
The catch is that the belt isn't available right now. Petr Yan reclaimed the title from Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in December 2025, and the two are already booked for a trilogy bout at UFC 333 on October 24. O'Malley, meanwhile, is No. 2 and coming off a knockout win. Whoever wins in Shanghai is waiting in line, and the UFC will pick the fight that sells.
THE SONG PROBLEM
Song Yadong is a bad matchup for a fighter trying to make a statement. The Kung Fu Kid is 23-9-1 with nine knockouts, and while he has one stoppage loss in the UFC — a doctor stoppage against Sandhagen in September 2022 after a horrific cut over his eye — he has never been knocked out or submitted inside the Octagon. He's absorbed the best of Yan, Sandhagen, Cejudo, and O'Malley and heard the final bell every time.
He also arrives in form. In May 2026 he guillotined Deiveson Figueiredo in the second round in Macau, in front of a Chinese crowd, in his first fight on home soil since 2018. Now he's headlining in Shanghai with the entire country behind him.
Umar is a heavy betting favorite, and the safe read is that his wrestling and top control frustrate Song over 25 minutes. But safe is exactly what got him stuck in the queue. If he wants the belt in his next fight rather than the one after, he probably needs to do something in Shanghai that his last five opponents never let him do — finish.
- ROMAN ABDULLAIEV
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