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Every National teams story we publish, newest first.
Lionel Messi confirmed on Monday that his Argentina career is over after 207 appearances and 125 goals. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward led his country to the 2022 World Cup title and captained the side again in this year's tournament. Former teammates such as Angel Di Maria and Rodrigo De Paul have hailed him as the greatest of all time.
Matt
·5 min read
Lamine Yamal scored his first two goals of the season in Barcelona's 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, both heavily inspired by classic Leo Messi finishes. The tribute came on the same day Messi announced his retirement from international football with Argentina.
Natilla·5 min read
Lionel Messi has closed a 21-year international career with Argentina marked by painful defeats, unexpected comebacks and ultimate redemption in the 2022 World Cup. His legacy spans historic scoring records, three major continental trophies and an emotional bond with a country that went from questioning him to treating him as a national treasure.
Javi·8 min read
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team at the age of 39. The 2022 World Cup-winning captain wrote his farewell message two days after July's final defeat to Spain, but delayed making it public. The death of his father Jorge in August convinced him the time had come to step away.
InfoBlaugrana·6 min read
Leandro Paredes has spoken publicly about the ten-match suspension imposed by FIFA after the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The Boca Juniors midfielder described the punishment as excessive and pointed directly at Gavi as the player who struck him in the chest. He believes the Argentine FA's appeal can reduce the ban.
InfoBlaugrana·5 min read
Jose Mourinho has admitted that the three-week international break in September is a real worry for Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach is concerned about losing his players for an extended period, especially those who barely feature for their national teams. He also praised Jude Bellingham and shared his view on the Ballon d'Or debate.
Natilla·7 min read
Rangers were knocked out of European competition after a penalty shootout defeat against Czech side Jablonec. Derek McInnes called his team's display 'embarrassing' as the Ibrox club now faces the consequences of missing out on continental football. The result also damages Scotland's UEFA coefficient, which has already dropped to 19th in the live standings.
varela·5 min read
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, general secretary Mohammed Sanusi and all 11 members of the executive committee stepped down on Thursday in Abuja. The mass resignation leaves Nigeria's football governing body without a leadership structure just weeks after the Super Falcons missed out on the 2027 Women's World Cup, ending a run of appearances at every edition since 1991.
Natilla·6 min read
Louis van Gaal has sent a video message welcoming Xavi Hernandez as the new Netherlands national team coach. The Dutch manager, who gave Xavi his Barcelona debut in 1998, looks back on their time together at Camp Nou and shows full confidence despite the debate over hiring a foreign coach. Frank Rijkaard also joins in wishing the former midfielder success.
varela·5 min read
The Irish Football Association says it will not vote for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president in March. Northern Ireland's governing body believes the abandoned plan to sell part of FIFA's commercial assets raised fundamental questions about governance. England, Scotland, Wales and the R
Javi·5 min read