Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina’s national football team, ending an international career that spanned nearly two decades. The 39-year-old said the decision “hurt and still hurts deep inside” but felt it was the right time to step away. Messi won the 2022 World Cup and played in six World Cups, leading Argentina to the 2026 final, where they lost to Spain. In his message, Messi thanked Argentina’s fans, family, teammates and coaches. He will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he is contracted until 2028.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after 20 years with Argentina. The 39-year-old shared his decision on Instagram on August 31. Messi said he decided to retire two days after Argentina's 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain. He added that the death of his father made him even more certain about the decision. Messi played 207 matches for Argentina and scored 125 goals. He led the team to the 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América trophies. He will continue playing club football for Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi has announced that he will retire from international football after a 20-year career with Argentina. His final match for the national team was the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1-0.   Messi said he made the decision two days after the final. The death of his father, Jorge, made him even more certain.   The 39-year-old captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title. He also won two Copa América titles and the Finalissima. Messi scored 125 goals in 207 matches. He will continue playing for Inter Miami.

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added another record to his growing list of achievements, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in Duleep Trophy history. The 15-year-old reached his fifty in 42 balls during East Zone’s semifinal against Central Zone, hitting five fours and three sixes. At 15 years and 157 days, Sooryavanshi broke a 57-year-old record held by Laxman Singh, who was 16 years and 23 days old when he scored a Duleep Trophy fifty in 1969. Sooryavanshi also briefly captained East Zone after Ishan Kishan left the field following a blow to his wrist. (PC: NDTV)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly instructed its players not to comment publicly on jailed former captain Imran Khan during their ongoing England tour. The issue intensified after Imran’s sons gave an interview to former England captain Michael Atherton, which SKY Sports broadcast during the lunch break on the second day of the second Test. The interview was filmed inside Lord’s a day before the match began. Reports said the PCB attempted to prevent the broadcaster from airing it and threatened to boycott the match, but the interview was shown and Pakistan’s players returned for the second session. The development follows former Pakistan stars Javed Miandad and Moin Khan publicly speaking in support of Imran. (PC: AP)

Former India captain Sunil Chhetri said he will watch the national team’s upcoming matches against Brazil and Uruguay with “a little jealousy”, as he never got such an opportunity during his nearly 20-year international career. India face five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3 before playing Uruguay three days later. Chhetri urged the current generation to make the most of the opportunity. The 42-year-old also called on players, coaches, officials and the media to stop blaming one another for Indian football’s problems. He said everyone must take responsibility and work together to improve the sport. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured that 33,000 fans who bought tickets for Lionel Messi's chaotic event at Yuva Bharati Stadium will be refunded from the state's sports budget. Speaking on National Sports Day, Adhikari said he had already initiated the process internally. Messi's appearance at the Salt Lake stadium on December 13, 2025, was marred by chaos and vandalism, with fans demanding refunds for tickets priced at Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000. Adhikari also announced plans to overhaul Bengal's sports infrastructure, including mini indoor stadiums in all 294 assembly constituencies, with 100 to be built this year. (PC: India Today)

Suryakumar Yadav has revealed he was “completely shocked” after being removed as India’s T20I captain and dropped from the squad despite leading the team to the T20 World Cup title. The former captain said he spent 40-50 days at home wondering whether he wanted to continue playing. Suryakumar had expected to lead India for another two years, including the next T20 World Cup and the Olympics. However, he accepted the selectors’ decision after being told it was time to move on, saying his focus remains on staying fit and returning to the Indian team. (PC: India Today)

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stepped in as East Zone captain during the Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone after regular skipper Ishan Kishan suffered a freak injury. Sooryavanshi, who had been named vice-captain before the tournament, took charge of the side in a major leadership moment at senior domestic level. Kishan’s injury forced him off the field, handing the teenager the captaincy responsibility. The move marks another milestone in Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise in Indian cricket, making him one of the youngest players to lead a senior domestic side. (PC: HT)

Indian trans athlete Anaya Bangar has responded to criticism over her pathway into women’s cricket, saying critics should “educate themselves” about the issue. Bangar’s remarks came after South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp called Cricket Australia’s decision “absolutely ridiculous”. Bangar said she has provided the necessary information to show she has no unfair advantage and is following Cricket Australia’s eligibility guidelines. She has been cleared to play women’s community cricket in Australia and could become eligible for elite competitions, including the Women’s Big Bash League, after March 2027 if she meets the required testosterone-related criteria.