Sports

Messi Retires from Argentina National Team for Second Time at 39

Published

10 minutes ago

August 31, 2026

Messi Retires from Argentina National Team for Second Time at 39

Football legend announces emotional departure after 2026 World Cup final loss, citing father’s death as confirmation of his decision

Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the national team for the second time in his career, bringing an emotional chapter of his illustrious international career to a close at the age of 39. Messi made the announcement on Monday, August 31, 2026, in a heartfelt statement shared on his official Instagram account, ending nearly two decades of representing La Albiceleste. The 39-year-old forward revealed that he had written the retirement message on July 21, just two days after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. However, he chose to wait before publishing the statement. Messi explained that subsequent events involving his father, Jorge Messi, who tragically passed away on August 8 at the age of 68 following a long illness, made him even more convinced that retiring was the right decision.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi wrote in his statement. “I swear to you that I always gave everything, not just 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 joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.” Messi’s decision comes after he led Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in 2026. He previously led the Albiceleste to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure the nation’s third world title. During his international career, he also won two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Finalissima.

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The star cited the emergence of a new generation of Argentine players as another factor in his decision. “There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give,” Messi stated. “Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be there.” Messi ends his senior Argentina career with a record of 207 caps and 125 goals, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He also holds the record for the most assists in international soccer history with 65, and the most assists in FIFA World Cup history with 12. He has won six titles while representing the national team: the World Cup in 2022, two Copa Américas, the Finalissima, as well as two youth titles (Olympic Gold Medal in 2008) and the U-20 World Cup in 2005.

In his farewell message, Messi thanked Argentina’s supporters, his family, coaches, teammates, and directors who accompanied him throughout his 20-year international journey. “Thank you for all the affection over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside very much. Now I’m going to be one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through thick and thin, even more so).” He concluded his message with a powerful expression of national pride: “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, along with my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of. It was crazy to experience it all with you. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!” This marks the second time Messi has retired from international football. He previously stepped away from the national team following Argentina’s Copa América defeat to Chile in 2016, where he missed a crucial penalty in the shootout. However, he swiftly returned just six weeks later following a collective effort by fans, teammates, and even national hero Diego Maradona to convince him to reconsider. Messi’s contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season, and his retirement from international football does not, by itself, confirm his retirement from professional club football.

Messi Retires from Argentina National Team for Second Time at 39

Sports

Seyi Tinubu Can Change Things at NFF — Obafemi Martins Backs President’s Son for Football Reform

Published

1 hour ago

August 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Obafemi Martins

Seyi Tinubu Can Change Things at NFF — Obafemi Martins Backs President’s Son for Football Reform

Former Super Eagles striker says Nigerian football needs young leaders who understand the system as NFF crisis deepens with EFCC, ICPC investigations

Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has expressed strong confidence in Seyi Tinubu’s potential to bring meaningful change to Nigerian football, suggesting that the President’s son could play a transformative role at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) if he chooses to get involved. Martins made the remarks while speaking on the Obi One Podcast with former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, where he discussed the ongoing crisis in Nigerian football administration and the need for fresh leadership. The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward said Nigerian football needs young people who understand both the game and its administrative structures to help drive meaningful change.

“We just need someone that can help a young person that understands the game, the system that can help us and I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too,” Martins said. He described Seyi Tinubu as a young person who understands the aspirations of Nigerians and could contribute to changing the situation if he decided to get involved. “He is young and he understands what Nigeria People want and I think he can change that, if he wants to he can change that,” he added. Martins also hinted at the possibility of Seyi Tinubu becoming NFF president in the future, saying, “I think Seyi Tinubu can be the president of NFF. He’s young and understands what Nigerians want. He’s not the president yet, but he’s making efforts.” The former striker acknowledged that Seyi Tinubu is not currently the NFF president but said he believed he was already making efforts in his own capacity.

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His comments come at a time of major upheaval in Nigerian football administration. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive committee resigned amid mounting pressure over the state of Nigerian football. The resignations followed a series of setbacks involving the national teams, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the Super Falcons’ historic failure to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The Falcons’ absence marked Nigeria’s first absence from the competition since it was launched 35 years ago.

The crisis has deepened with anti-corruption agencies examining the NFF’s handling of government funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the NFF over the handling of a ₦12 billion federal intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to clear outstanding player wages, bonuses, and allowances. The House of Representatives also resolved to investigate an alleged mismanagement of $25 million in FIFA and CAF grants received between 2015 and 2025.

President Bola Tinubu has directed comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, covering governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability. The NFF’s next elective congress is scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, though the electoral process has been suspended pending the implementation of reforms. However, Martins’ endorsement has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians online, with many questioning why former players with direct experience of the game are not being considered for leadership positions. Others pointed out that the role requires someone with experience in football administration, league management, and FIFA politics, rather than simply being young or understanding what Nigerians want. Seyi Tinubu has not publicly declared interest in vying for a position at the NFF.

Seyi Tinubu Can Change Things at NFF — Obafemi Martins Backs President’s Son for Football Reform

Sports

Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspires Man United to thrash Ipswich 5-2

Published

9 hours ago

August 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspires Man United to thrash Ipswich 5-2

Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United came from behind to beat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday, giving Michael Carrick’s side their first Premier League victory of the 2026/27 season.

United needed a response after suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City on the opening weekend. They initially appeared to be heading for another frustrating afternoon when Ipswich took the lead, but Fernandes eventually turned the game around with three goals and an assist.

Carrick made four changes to the team that started against Hull, including handing Marcus Rashford his first United start in more than two years. Kobbie Mainoo also returned to the starting line-up as United looked to produce a stronger performance.

The changes initially did little to prevent Ipswich from causing problems.

United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was called into action early when Julio Enciso broke through following an Ipswich counter-attack from a United corner. Lammens stood up well to deny the forward in a one-on-one situation.

Ipswich eventually made their pressure count in the 29th minute.

Abdul Fatawu accelerated past Luke Shaw before delivering a dangerous cross into the United penalty area. Leif Davis produced an excellent finish, sending the ball high into the net to give the visitors a deserved 1-0 lead.

Davis had an opportunity to double Ipswich’s advantage moments later, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by Lammens.

United gradually began to regain control and found their equaliser before half-time after a costly Ipswich mistake.

Marcelino Núñez stumbled in possession, allowing Matheus Cunha to collect the loose ball and find Fernandes. The United captain showed excellent composure before firing past the Ipswich goalkeeper with his left foot.

The equaliser changed the momentum of the contest, and United returned from the interval with considerably more attacking intent.

The hosts took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through a goal that generated considerable discussion.

Harry Maguire attempted to finish from inside the area and the ball appeared to strike his arm before his effort eventually deflected off Jacob Greaves and into the Ipswich net.

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The goal was checked because of the contact with Maguire’s arm, but it was allowed to stand because the ball did not directly enter the net from the United defender’s arm. Greaves was credited with an own goal.

Ipswich were then punished again when Greaves brought down Matheus Cunha as the United forward charged towards goal.

Fernandes stepped forward and confidently converted the resulting penalty to extend United’s lead to 3-1.

The Portuguese midfielder completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards, reacting quickest to a deflected Mbeumo effort and finishing from close range.

The treble was Fernandes’ second Premier League hat-trick, having previously scored three goals against Leeds United.

It also underlined his importance to United after another outstanding individual campaign last season. Fernandes was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year after helping United finish third in the Premier League and providing 21 assists.

Against Ipswich, however, the captain was the primary match-winner, combining his creativity with ruthless finishing.

Fernandes then added an assist to his three goals.

The midfielder produced an excellent pass over the top of the Ipswich defence for Bryan Mbeumo, who raced onto the ball before lifting his finish over goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to make it 5-1.

Ipswich managed to score a second goal in stoppage time after a defensive error from United.

Julio Enciso intercepted a pass from Lisandro Martínez and played the ball into the path of substitute Chuba Akpom, who calmly tapped into an unguarded net.

The goal reduced the deficit but could not change the outcome, as United comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure all three points.

Despite the emphatic victory, Carrick will be aware that there are still defensive issues to address.

Ipswich created several openings, particularly before United established control, while mistakes in possession gave the visitors opportunities to punish the hosts. Lammens also made important saves that prevented the game from becoming more difficult for United.

However, United’s attacking improvement was clear.

Rashford’s return to the starting line-up provided another attacking option, while Mainoo brought greater energy to midfield. Cunha was also influential in the build-up to several key moments, including the equaliser and the penalty.

Most importantly, Fernandes once again delivered when United needed their captain to take responsibility.

The victory gives Carrick an important early boost after the disappointment of the Hull defeat and demonstrates the attacking potential available to his team.

For Ipswich, the result was a harsh setback after a promising first half in which O’Neil’s side competed strongly and deservedly took the lead.

The visitors were ultimately unable to cope with United’s attacking quality after the break, particularly Fernandes, whose three goals completely changed the contest.

United will now hope the victory can provide the foundation for a more consistent start to the season.

For Fernandes, meanwhile, the message was clear: after an opening-day setback, the United captain responded in the strongest possible fashion.

Three goals, one assist and a 5-2 victory ensured that Manchester United’s Premier League campaign finally got moving in emphatic fashion.

Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspires Man United to thrash Ipswich 5-2

Sports

Champions League: Yaya Touré becomes first African coach to reach league phase

Published

4 days ago

August 27, 2026

Trends Admin

Champions League: Yaya Touré becomes first African coach to reach league phase

Ivory Coast football legend Yaya Touré has made history as the first African coach to lead a club into the UEFA Champions League league phase, after guiding Slovan Bratislava through a dramatic qualifying play-off against Slovenian champions Celje.

Touré achieved the landmark on Wednesday night when Slovan Bratislava defeated Celje 2-1 after extra time in the second leg of their Champions League play-off, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the 2026/27 league phase.

The achievement is a remarkable start to Touré’s coaching career, coming during his first season as a senior club manager.

Slovan entered the second leg with the tie finely balanced after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first meeting.

The Slovak champions made a bright start in the return fixture and took the lead in the 18th minute through captain Andraž Šporar, who produced a composed finish after receiving a long pass and lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

Celje responded before half-time when Svit Šešlar converted a penalty in the 34th minute to bring the hosts level.

Neither side could find the decisive goal during the remainder of normal time, sending the contest into extra time with a place in the Champions League league phase at stake.

Touré’s team eventually produced the breakthrough in the 100th minute.

Cristian Martínez became the match-winner when he found the net during extra time, giving Slovan a 2-1 lead on the night and a 3-2 aggregate advantage.

Celje could not find another response, allowing Slovan to celebrate a historic qualification.

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For Touré, the achievement is particularly significant because he only recently made the transition from coaching assistant to senior manager.

The former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder was appointed Slovan Bratislava head coach in 2026, taking over his first senior managerial role after gaining experience as an assistant coach.

Before moving to Slovan, Touré worked in coaching roles at Standard Liège, with the Saudi Arabia national team and at Tottenham Hotspur, where he worked with the club’s youth setup.

His first major assignment as a head coach has now produced one of the biggest milestones achieved by an African manager in European club football.

Touré’s qualification also builds on the breakthrough achieved by Nigerian coach Ndubuisi Egbo.

Egbo became the first African coach to lead a club in the Champions League qualifying rounds when he guided KF Tirana of Albania through the opening stage of the competition in 2020.

Tirana defeated Dinamo Tbilisi under Egbo but failed to advance into the main phase of the competition.

Touré has now gone a step further by successfully guiding Slovan through the final qualifying hurdle and into the competition’s main league phase.

The distinction is important because the Champions League underwent a major structural change from the 2024/25 season, replacing the traditional group stage with a 36-team league phase.

Each club plays eight matches against eight different opponents, with the highest-ranked teams progressing directly to the round of 16 and others entering a play-off round for places in the knockout stage.

Slovan Bratislava’s qualification means Touré will now lead the club into the competition proper, where it will face some of the biggest teams in European football.

The club’s opponents will be determined by the Champions League league-phase draw.

Touré arrives at this stage of his coaching career with extensive experience of the competition as a player.

He won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in the 2008/09 season, as part of the side that completed a historic treble under Pep Guardiola.

During his time at Barcelona, Touré also won two La Liga titles before moving to Manchester City in 2010.

At City, the Ivorian became one of the most influential players in the club’s modern history, helping the team win three Premier League titles, among other major honours.

His performances during City’s rise to the top of English football established him as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

At international level, Touré was equally influential for the Ivory Coast national team.

He won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015, helping the Elephants secure their first continental title in more than two decades.

The former midfielder retired from professional football in 2020 before beginning his transition into coaching.

His progression from assistant roles to senior management has now culminated in a historic Champions League achievement.

The milestone is also significant for African football because African coaches have historically had fewer opportunities to manage clubs in Europe’s biggest competitions compared with their European counterparts.

Touré’s success with Slovan could therefore provide greater visibility for African coaches seeking opportunities at the highest levels of European football.

The achievement also comes amid an encouraging start to Slovan’s domestic campaign.

The Slovak champions have maintained a strong run under Touré, adding confidence to their European qualification campaign.

For Touré, however, the real test is only beginning.

Reaching the Champions League league phase guarantees Slovan a place among Europe’s elite clubs, but the team will now have to compete against opponents with considerably greater financial resources and experience.

The Ivorian manager will have the opportunity to demonstrate whether his early success can translate into sustained performances against Europe’s top sides.

Whatever happens in the league phase, Touré has already secured his place in African football history.

From winning the Champions League as a player with Barcelona to becoming the first African coach to guide a club into the competition’s league phase, the Ivorian has added another remarkable chapter to his European football story.