Kick Off: Messi ends Argentina career with a 3-0 win; former Barcelona winger Pedro retires

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Top Headlines

Lionel Messi ends Argentina career with goal and two assists against Benin on emotional night

Lionel Messi described playing for Argentina as "the most wonderful thing that can happen to you" after ending his international career with a goal in a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires. 

Argentina 3-0 Benin: Emotional Messi bows out in style in farewell match

Lionel Messi scored one and assisted the other two in his last appearance for Argentina in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at Estadio Monumental.

These Things Happen

Former Barcelona and Chelsea winger Pedro retires

Former Barcelona and Chelsea forward Pedro has announced his retirement from professional football, at the age of 39.

The 10 highest-paid managers in world football: Arteta, Simeone, Mourinho…

Four Premier League managers feature in the 10 highest-paid managers in world football in 2026 – and there are a couple of surprise entries too.

The ‘Should’ve Retired Sooner’ XI as Cristiano Ronaldo desperately clings on

After a lifetime focused on doing one thing, it can be hard for players to know when to pack it all in.

Can you name every international team that Lionel Messi hasn’t won against?

Lionel Messi played over 200 times for Argentina and only failed to beat four of his international opponents – how many of them can you name?

How ex-Liverpool star Luis Garcia has masterminded a world-record 113-GAME unbeaten run in Malaysia

Luis Garcia knows all about miracles, given he was part of Liverpool’s Champions League-winning team in 2005 that were 3-0 down at half-time of the Istanbul final.

Arsenal wonderkid Dowman presented with 3 world records after memorable breakthrough EPL season

Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman has become the recipient of three Guinness world records following his stunning breakthrough campaign.

Man City grant Erling Haaland request with alarm bells ringing after charges verdict

Manchester City take on Liverpool in a huge Premier League clash on Sunday but have been warned about Erling Haaland's condition ahead of the match

Mikel Arteta becomes Premier League's highest-paid boss on £20m-a-year new contract - Paper Talk

The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday's newspapers...

How Portugal boss Jesus defied Ronaldo's apology script and hit back at star's 1,996-word statement

Jorge Jesus refused to follow Cristiano Ronaldo's planned eight-point script at a press conference as the Portugal boss, leading to the legendary forward's claim he had 'broken promises'.

Chelsea: Xabi Alonso must solve long-standing defensive issues and needs Moises Caicedo fit for key run of games

Chelsea made a thrilling start to the season under Xabi Alonso but after being beaten at Arsenal, blows against Hull and Brentford have set them back.

Can you name every manager that Cristiano Ronaldo has played under?

Twenty-five different managers have been blessed to call upon the great Cristiano Ronaldo – but can you name each and every one of them?

Can you name every Brazilian to play for Arsenal in the Premier League?

Signing a Brazilian player is always an alluring prospect for football supporters – as Arsenal fans will be able to testify.

What They Say

Isak and Gakpo both doubtful for Liverpool-Man City clash

Andoni Iraola has revealed Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are both doubtful for Liverpool's clash with Manchester City on Sunday due to injuries they sustained on international duty.

'He made me grow' – De Paul leads Messi tributes after Argentina farewell

Rodrigo De Paul led the tributes to his close friend Lionel Messi following his final Argentina appearance, saying the legendary forward helped him grow both as a player and a person.

James says Leeds cannot get carried away with unbeaten start ahead of Arsenal test

Dan James has urged Leeds United not to get carried away with their unbeaten start to the Premier League season, as they prepare to visit champions Arsenal on Saturday.

Merino would be 'more valued' in another country, says De la Fuente

Luis de la Fuente heaped praise on Spain match-winner Mikel Merino after his double off the bench booked La Roja's spot in the quarter-finals of the Nations League. 

Arteta says 'this is only the beginning' after signing new Arsenal contract

Mikel Arteta declared last season's Premier League title triumph was "only the beginning" for Arsenal after signing a three-year contract extension at the Emirates Stadium.

Rogers rates start to Chelsea career '10 out of 10'

Morgan Rogers would rate the start of his Chelsea career as a 10 out of 10, even if the Blues' results have been mixed ahead of Saturday's meeting with Bournemouth.