The Argentine Football Association (AFA) will honor Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football by pausing matches across the country this weekend. Every game, including men’s, women’s, futsal and beach football, will stop in the 10th minute for a 60-second round of applause, reflecting Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt. Stadiums with video screens will also show a commemorative tribute before matches. Messi, 39, ended his Argentina career after 21 years, becoming the national team’s record appearance holder and top scorer with 125 goals in 207 games. He also led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles. (PC: Reuters)

The Nagaland Chief Minister’s Team, representing India, finished sixth in the Classic Tug of War World Championship at the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan. The 10-member team, led by captain Vechita Khesoh, defeated Brazil, South Korea, Great Britain and Turkey before losing to hosts Kyrgyzstan. India’s participation marked its first appearance in tug of war at the World Nomad Games. The competition is being held from August 31 to September 6 across Bishkek and Cholpon-Ata, featuring around 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries across 43 traditional sporting disciplines. The Nagaland Tug of War Association praised the team’s performance.

The BCCI has dismissed speculation that Rohit Sharma is set to retire from ODI cricket following its review meeting in Mumbai on September 3. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said there was no reason to fuel retirement rumours, stressing that Rohit remains focused on playing cricket. The veteran batter recently strengthened his case with a century against England at Lord’s. The meeting also discussed India’s ODI roadmap, player fitness, injury management and preparations for the 2027 World Cup. With Rohit continuing to perform strongly, the BCCI’s comments suggest that retirement is not currently imminent, keeping his World Cup hopes alive. (PC: BCCI)

The 6th World Nomad Games are being held in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026, bringing together athletes from 104 countries. Established in 2014, the Games promote traditional sports and cultural heritage associated with nomadic communities, particularly across Central Asia. Competitions include horseback archery, wrestling, horse racing, kok-boru, falconry and traditional board games. The opening ceremony in Bishkek was attended by world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Beyond competition, the event aims to preserve traditional practices, encourage cultural exchange and strengthen international understanding through the shared heritage of nomadic civilizations. 

Rohit Sharma was reportedly ready to retire after a selection committee member told him in July that the panel had decided to move on and asked if he could announce his exit after the Lord’s ODI against England. The report said Rohit was angry but agreed. However, the former India captain scored 138 at Lord’s, temporarily halting retirement speculation, though the century did not guarantee his place for the 2027 ODI World Cup. His future, along with those of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, will be discussed at Thursday’s BCCI meeting in Mumbai as India begins preparations for next year’s World Cup in Africa. (PC: HT)

India’s Keyaa Banerji won a silver medal in the junior 47kg category at the Sub-Junior and Junior Classic Powerlifting IPF World Championships in South Africa. The 21-year-old Indian lifter recorded a total of 140kg, including a 90kg squat and 50kg bench press, lifting three times her body weight. France’s Ines Herbaux won gold with 165kg, while Ireland’s Blathnaid O’Dwyer also lifted 140kg but finished with bronze. Banerji, who lifted 127.5kg in 2025, has made significant progress over the past year. Meanwhile, India’s Joshua Ngoka won gold in the men’s 120kg category, completing a 9-for-9 performance with 980.5kg and setting an IPF Junior World record in South Africa.

East Bengal team will host one of three groups in the 2026/27 AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage in November after qualifying through the preliminary round in Malaysia with three consecutive wins. The IWL champions have become the first Indian club to reach the competition’s consecutive group stage and will also be the first Indian club to host the premier women’s club tournament. Twelve clubs will be divided into three groups of four for a single round-robin league, with eight teams advancing to the Knockout Stage. The group draw is scheduled for September 3 in Kuala Lumpur. Quarter-finals will be played as ties in March, with the top four clubs hosting. (PC: AFC Hub)

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is finalising an agreement with a fertility clinic to help Spain’s women’s national-team players freeze their eggs. The initiative aims to help elite footballers balance demanding sporting careers with future plans for motherhood, as their peak playing years often overlap with their most fertile years. National-team captains, including Alexia Putellas, have reportedly raised the issue with federation officials. The scheme is expected to cover treatment costs, with details on eligibility and storage to be announced later. However, some athletes argue that greater support for pregnancy, childcare and post-partum career recovery is also necessary. (PC: Reuters)

Brazilian football legend Cafu will visit Darjeeling on September 6 to lay the foundation stone for the proposed Sidra Hills Sports & Wellness Resort and launch two futsal teams. The 2002 World Cup-winning Brazil captain will inaugurate the project, part of Arya Tea Garden’s tourism development plan, virtually from Gorkha Stadium in Lebong. The resort is planned on the Arya tea estate, around 10km from Darjeeling town. Cafu will also launch Darjeeling Warriors FC and North Bengal Fighters FC, with a match planned between the new teams. Several state ministers are expected to attend the programme.

Bayern Munich Campus Director Jochen Sauer has warned India not to repeat China’s mistakes as it pursues its football ambitions. “Don’t repeat the China mistake,” Sauer said, stressing that India must follow a clear, long-term development plan instead of repeatedly changing its strategy. He urged Indian football authorities to invest in quality coaches, youth development and better opportunities for young players. Sauer said India had made progress in developing young talent over the past decade but warned that success would require patience and consistency. He called for a 10-year roadmap to build a stronger and sustainable football system. (PC: NDTV)