Lionel Messi has returned to Argentine soil as he prepares to say a final, emotional goodbye to the national team. The legendary number 10 landed in Rosario via private jet on Friday morning, marking the beginning of the end for one of the most storied international careers in the history of the beautiful game.
Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes made a surprise appearance at Argentina's training camp in Ezeiza despite currently serving a lengthy 10-match FIFA suspension. The 32-year-old veteran visited Lionel Scaloni's squad on Tuesday to offer support ahead of upcoming friendlies, demonstrating his continued commitment to the national team setup.
Roma attacker Matias Soule has returned to international duty with Argentina after briefly stepping away from camp to attend the birth of his first child. The 23-year-old winger was granted compassionate leave from Ezeiza to welcome his newborn son Bautista alongside partner Milagros Sosa before resuming preparations under Lionel Scaloni.
AS Roma have taken the controversial decision to block Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina to attend Lionel Messi’s international farewell. Despite the magnitude of the event in Buenos Aires, the Giallorossi have prioritised their domestic commitments over the emotional celebration of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The Argentine Football Association has announced a poignant tribute to Lionel Messi by leaving his iconic No. 10 jersey vacant for their upcoming international fixtures. The legendary forward is set to pull on the famous shirt one last time in a specially arranged farewell match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental this October.
Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes has addressed mounting speculation surrounding his international future while serving a lengthy ten-match FIFA suspension. With legendary captain Lionel Messi preparing for his emotional national team farewell, the former Roma star insisted he remains committed to the world champions despite missing the current camp.
Angel Di Maria has offered his full backing to Cristian Romero after the commanding centre-back was named the next permanent captain of Argentina. The milestone decision comes as talisman Lionel Messi prepares to bring down the curtain on his legendary international career on October 6, triggering a new leadership chapter under Lionel Scaloni.
Roma forward Paulo Dybala is caught in a club versus country dilemma after manager Gian Piero Gasperini blocked his travel to Lionel Messi's international farewell in Buenos Aires. Despite receiving an official invitation alongside fellow 2022 World Cup winners, the playmaker risks disrupting vital club preparations ahead of a crucial domestic fixture.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez took time out during international duty to return to his former side Racing Club ahead of their derby clash. The striker, who was warmly greeted by club president Diego Milito, subsequently spoke about the national team's looming transitional phase as Lionel Messi approaches his final farewell match against Benin.
Lionel Messi has shared an emotional message ahead of his final match for Argentina, as the national team prepare to host Benin for his official farewell. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will take to the pitch for his country one last time in October wearing a special kit, giving fans a final opportunity to celebrate his historic international career and World Cup triumph.
There are only three certainties in life: death, taxes and a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations. However, even by the tournament's extraordinary standards, the final of the 2025 edition was like nothing we've ever seen before - albeit not in a good way. In the 93rd minute of a tense but largely uneventful encounter in Rabat, Senegal had a goal from Ismaila Sarr very harshly disallowed for a perceived foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi beforehand. Just moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after an invention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), who had spotted a minor tug on Brahim Diaz's shirt by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stages ended on a high note with heavyweights taking the centre stage in the North African country of Morocco. In the four games that were played, 14 goals were scored, with the defending champions, The Elephants, scoring the most as they finished top in their pool.
Five Premier League players - including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey - were among those to endure flight chaos after jetting out of Nigeria's latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. There was midair mayhem during that journey as a cracked windscreen forced the plane that the Super Eagles were travelling on to make an emergency landing. Said trip was eventually completed some 12 hours later than initially planned.
Mzansi might be forced to win their last two Group C games to get their ticket after the World Football Governing Body opened a case against Hugo Broos' side.
Benin
