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Every National teams story we publish, newest first.
Cristiano Ronaldo went public on Tuesday with a document containing eight notes that, in his account, Jorge Jesus had agreed to read to the press before Portugal's match in Denmark. The forward says he approved the document after a video meeting with the coach, his adviser Tiago Craveiro and Al-Nassr's sporting director Simão Coutinho.
Javi
·6 min read
The final day of the international break left contrasting stories for Real Sociedad's players. Mikel Oyarzabal played the full 90 minutes for Spain against Croatia, while Luka Sucic did not feature at all in that match and Orri Óskarsson captained Iceland in a goalless draw. The workloads will shape preparations for Sunday's LaLiga clash with Deportivo de La Coruña.
varela·5 min read
Lionel Messi closed his Argentina career with a night that summed up his legacy: a goal, two assists, a win and a sold-out stadium in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old captain bowed out against Benin in front of 85,000 fans at El Monumental. Otamendi and Nico Paz joined him on the scoresheet during an emotional farewell that lasted 21 years in the making.
Natilla·6 min read
Lionel Messi closed his 21-year international career with an emotional night at El Monumental. He scored from the penalty spot and set up two goals as Argentina eased past Benin 3-0 in front of 85,000 fans. The match was paused in the 10th minute for a standing ovation honoring his legendary shirt number.
varela·5 min read
Lionel Messi received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires on Tuesday at the AFA training ground in Ezeiza. The ceremony took place just hours before his final match with the Argentina national team against Benin at the Monumental stadium. The captain thanked the university for the award and admitted his nerves are growing as the farewell approaches.
Natilla·6 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he is not retiring from international football, though he admitted he should be punished for walking out on Portugal's Nations League camp. The forward said head coach Jorge Jesus broke his word twice, which led to his departure. Ronaldo stressed the responsibility was his alone and apologised to his teammates and supporters.
varela·5 min read
Six days after Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's camp in Copenhagen, Piers Morgan has offered a detailed explanation of what happened. The British journalist says Cristiano never demanded to start or play all four Nations League games. The broken trust with Jorge Jesus, especially the unfulfilled promise of minutes against Norway, led the captain to walk away.
Matt·5 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to stay away from the Portugal national team and will not come back as long as Jorge Jesus remains in charge. The fallout after being left without minutes against Norway has paused an international career of 234 caps and 146 goals. Portugal, meanwhile, keeps winning and leads its Nations League group.
InfoBlaugrana·4 min read
The Norwegian Football Federation has filed two formal requests with FIFA seeking an investigation into the rescinded red card shown to Folarin Balogun at the 2026 World Cup, the FIFA Forward Enterprise project and the peace award given to Donald Trump. The NFF wants the Ethics Committee and Governance Committee to establish the facts.
Natilla·5 min read
Lionel Messi plays his final game for Argentina on Tuesday, October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. His farewell opens a new era for the Albiceleste, with Cristian Romero as captain, Lionel Scaloni close to renewing until 2030, and young stars Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz ready to lead the next generation. Life after Messi is already underway.
Javi·7 min read