Lionel Messi returns to Argentina squad for Benin friendly as football icon prepares for final international appearance

Mint - Sep 16, 2026

Lionel Messi had announced his retirement from international football on 31 August.

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Sir Alex Ferguson didn't speak to me for two years after I left Man United for Chelsea

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Former Manchester United CEO Peter Kenyon has discussed his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson after he left the club to join Chelsea in 2003

Mason Greenwood slammed by club chief for transfer decision after leaving Manchester United

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Mason Greenwood slammed by club chief for transfer decision after leaving Manchester United

Man Utd sold Mason Greenwood to Marseille in the summer and the player turned down interest from Lazio.

Chelsea star Ben Chilwell 'could be offered escape route out of Stamford Bridge by European giants', with ex-Blues boss 'a huge fan of the out-of-favour defender'

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Chelsea star Ben Chilwell 'could be offered escape route out of Stamford Bridge by European giants', with ex-Blues boss 'a huge fan of the out-of-favour defender'

Chilwell was placed in the club's 'bomb squad' over the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements, but failed to get a move away from west London.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente insists he has NOT overplayed Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, after the 17-year-old withdrew from international duty with a hamstring injury

Oct 15, 2024

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente insists he has NOT overplayed Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, after the 17-year-old withdrew from international duty with a hamstring injury

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has hit back at critics of his use of wonderkid Lamine Yamal after the Barcelona star was forced to withdraw from international duty.

Nigeria BOYCOTT AFCON qualifier against Libya after squad is left stranded at airport with 'no food and drink' - with Premier League star claiming he was being held HOSTAGE

Oct 15, 2024

Nigeria BOYCOTT AFCON qualifier against Libya after squad is left stranded at airport with 'no food and drink' - with Premier League star claiming he was being held HOSTAGE

However, Libya said they faced 'poor treatment' surrounding that game and ahead of the return match, Nigeria's stars were left fuming before they revealed they would boycott the match.

Premier League star claims he is being held HOSTAGE in Libya as Nigeria squad are left stranded at airport with 'no food and drink' amid row over 'poor treatment' during reverse fixture

Oct 15, 2024

Premier League star claims he is being held HOSTAGE in Libya as Nigeria squad are left stranded at airport with 'no food and drink' amid row over 'poor treatment' during reverse fixture

The two teams faced off in Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, with the Super Eagles winning 1-0 courtesy of Fissayo Dele-Bashiru's late strike.

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez says there is 'no doubt' Cristiano Ronaldo will be involved against Scotland as he insists captain does not work or play like a 39-year-old

Oct 15, 2024

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez says there is 'no doubt' Cristiano Ronaldo will be involved against Scotland as he insists captain does not work or play like a 39-year-old

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has dismissed speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo could be rested for Tuesday's Nations League clash with Scotland.

GWS Giants players facing AFL bans for 'inappropriate behaviour' at 'celebrity couples' themed post-season function

Oct 15, 2024

GWS Giants players facing AFL bans for 'inappropriate behaviour' at 'celebrity couples' themed post-season function

On Tuesday, the Giants confirmed that they had launched an internal probe into the incident. It came after an anonymous complaint was made over outfits that were worn at the fancy-dress event.

Two Man United stars 'spoke to team-mates about Zinedine Zidane' as speculation grows

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Two Man United stars 'spoke to team-mates about Zinedine Zidane' as speculation grows

Manchester United have struggled for form under Erik ten Hag, and while alternative managers are being linked with the Old Trafford job, Zinedine Zidane is one who has been considered

NFL star Mario Edwards Jr. banned for four games after violating league's drugs policy

Oct 15, 2024

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The 30-year-old has started every game for his team this season and his absence will be a blow for the Super Bowl hopefuls.

Rohit Finally Reveals Why Bumrah Was Made Vice-Captain Of Test Team

Oct 15, 2024

Rohit Finally Reveals Why Bumrah Was Made Vice-Captain Of Test Team

Jasprit Bumrah was officially named Team India's vice-captain ahead of the start of the Test series against New Zealand.

Valencia fans leave Singapore with ‘stern warning’ after protest against owner Peter Lim

Oct 15, 2024

Valencia fans leave Singapore with ‘stern warning’ after protest against owner Peter Lim

Police had seized passports of Spanish couple, who were reportedly on honeymoon, for ‘taking part in a public assembly without a permit’.

England’s cricketers ready for host Pakistan’s spin assault in second Test at same venue

Oct 15, 2024

England’s cricketers ready for host Pakistan’s spin assault in second Test at same venue

Pakistan win toss, to bat first in second Test in Multan, with England captain Ben Stokes hoping reused pitch plays into tourists’ hands.

Ben Whittaker 'hauled away by airport security in Saudi Arabia after SMASHING a fan's phone' hours after toppling over the ropes and injuring his leg in bout against Liam Cameron

Oct 15, 2024

Ben Whittaker 'hauled away by airport security in Saudi Arabia after SMASHING a fan's phone' hours after toppling over the ropes and injuring his leg in bout against Liam Cameron

Whittaker, 27, was spotted walking through King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh just hours after his technical split-decision draw with Liam Cameron.

Why big-game specialist Mooney can cover Healy void

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Why big-game specialist Mooney can cover Healy void

Alyssa Healy remains no certainty to return from a foot injury for the Twenty20 World Cup semifinal and final, making Beth Mooney's role at the top crucial.

Pep Guardiola is spellbound by English football, wants an international job in the future and would NEVER coach Spain, writes JACK GAUGHAN… now imagine his England team

Oct 15, 2024

Pep Guardiola is spellbound by English football, wants an international job in the future and would NEVER coach Spain, writes JACK GAUGHAN… now imagine his England team

JACK GAUGHAN: English football enchants Pep Guardiola in a way that has surprised him across eight years on these shores. The culture of it all, more than anything.

Paul Pogba 'rejects offer to join new club' as he nears return from doping ban and works to cancel his Juventus contract

Oct 15, 2024

Paul Pogba 'rejects offer to join new club' as he nears return from doping ban and works to cancel his Juventus contract

The former Manchester United midfielder could return to the playing field in March after he had his four year drugs ban slashed to just 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Pakistan recovers courtesy of Saim Aub, Kamran Ghulam after early blows

Oct 15, 2024

Pakistan recovers courtesy of Saim Aub, Kamran Ghulam after early blows

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Pep Guardiola latest as Man City boss ‘considers’ one-year extension despite FA ‘contact’

Oct 15, 2024

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Pep Guardiola's future will be the subject of intrigue until he makes a decision on his next steps in the coming months, with Manchester City keen to hold onto him.

Ederson reveals intervention by Pep Guardiola that persuaded him to reject an 'unusual proposal' from Saudi Arabia in favour of staying at Manchester City in the summer

Oct 15, 2024

Ederson reveals intervention by Pep Guardiola that persuaded him to reject an 'unusual proposal' from Saudi Arabia in favour of staying at Manchester City in the summer

Pep Guardiola's timely intervention was key to Ederson 's decision to turn down a proposal from the Saudi Pro League, the Manchester City stopper has revealed.

Revealed: England are planning a friendly in America next summer - and could face the USA in test for Mauricio Pochettino

Oct 15, 2024

Revealed: England are planning a friendly in America next summer - and could face the USA in test for Mauricio Pochettino

Talks over potential opponents and host city for the game are ongoing amid complications over the 2025 international window.

Ollie Watkins is enjoying his role as England's Super Sub - but at some point there has to be an effort to move away from these slow and ponderous starts, writes CRAIG HOPE

Oct 15, 2024

Ollie Watkins is enjoying his role as England's Super Sub - but at some point there has to be an effort to move away from these slow and ponderous starts, writes CRAIG HOPE

CRAIG HOPE IN HELSINKI: This was a tough watch, England dominating possession but not the opposition. At least, that was, until the arrival of Ollie Watkins and Noni Madueke.

Former Man United chief executive Peter Kenyon reveals why the club failed in their bid to sign Ronaldinho to replace David Beckham in 2003

Oct 15, 2024

Former Man United chief executive Peter Kenyon reveals why the club failed in their bid to sign Ronaldinho to replace David Beckham in 2003

Twelve months after winning the World Cup in 2002, Ronaldinho was one of the hottest properties in European football, and United wanted to bring him to Old Trafford from PSG.

SPORTS AGENDA: Panathinaikos may honour George Baldock's three-year contract following his tragic death - while Opta dispel claims footballers are playing too many matches

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SPORTS AGENDA: Panathinaikos may honour George Baldock's three-year contract following his tragic death - while Opta dispel claims footballers are playing too many matches

MIKE KEEGAN: According to sources close to the club, Panathinaikos may well honour the full contract of Baldock following the tragic passing of their former Sheffield United player.

PHOTO SPOTLIGHT: Fans descend on a rainy Matterley Basin Circuit to witness 20 countries battle it out in the 'Olympics of Motocross' - ANDY HOOPER captures all the action

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PHOTO SPOTLIGHT: With the sport's origins tracing back to the UK, it fitting that the world's best riders converged in a clash of nations in Winchester,

Two Manchester United players dropped at international level

Oct 15, 2024

Two Manchester United players dropped at international level

Three Man United players were involved in Nations League internationals on Monday night ahead of their return to Manchester.

Mbappe’s rape report not good for France team, says Deschamps

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France coach Didier Deschamps said Monday that a report claiming captain Kylian Mbappe was being investigated for rape in Sweden “is not a good thing for the national team”. “Everyone is free to write what they want but there is a negative atmosphere” around the French team, Deschamps told reporters following the 2-1 win in Read More

Pep Guardiola is the top target, a Champions League winner is interested and several Englishman have emerged as contenders: The managers in the running to be the next England boss

Oct 15, 2024

Pep Guardiola is the top target, a Champions League winner is interested and several Englishman have emerged as contenders: The managers in the running to be the next England boss

Carsley created further confusion following another win over lowly Finland, claiming the Three Lions role was for 'a world class coach who's won trophies' before later backtracking.

Bafana captain Ronwen Williams expects fightback from Congo at home

Oct 15, 2024

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Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is expecting a fightback from Congo during the away leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the 17,000-seater Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat de Brazzaville on Tuesday (6pm).

Dele Alli posts emotional tribute to his former team-mate and 'brother' George Baldock alongside throwback snaps - after he died by drowning aged 31 in Greece

Oct 15, 2024

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Baldock was found dead on Wednesday last week after drowning in the pool of his villa in Greece.

Paul Pogba breaks his silence on his future and hints at his next move as superstar prepares to make his return from his 18-month doping ban

Oct 15, 2024

Paul Pogba breaks his silence on his future and hints at his next move as superstar prepares to make his return from his 18-month doping ban

The midfielder will be permitted to play again in March 2025 after seeing his doping ban reduced to 18 months from the initial four-year punishment.

Roy Keane and Gary Neville gobsmacked at pundit's stance on 'childish' transfer demand

Oct 15, 2024

Roy Keane and Gary Neville gobsmacked at pundit's stance on 'childish' transfer demand

Manchester United icon Roy Keane and Arsenal legend Ian Wright practically came to blows on the Stick to Football podcast as the pair argued over coaches in a heated debate

Revealed: The Manchester City stars who gave Benjamin Mendy money while he was on trial for rape - as he sues the club for unpaid wages

Oct 15, 2024

Revealed: The Manchester City stars who gave Benjamin Mendy money while he was on trial for rape - as he sues the club for unpaid wages

The French World Cup winner says City should pay him wages it withheld after his arrest for rape and sexual assault against girls invited to parties at his home in Cheshire between 2018 and 2021.

Manchester United receive huge Rasmus Hojlund injury boost as situation clarified

Oct 15, 2024

Manchester United receive huge Rasmus Hojlund injury boost as situation clarified

Rasmus Hojlund is representing Denmark during the international break and reports of an injury emerged on Sunday.

"Test Cricket Is...": R Ashwin's Staunch Take

Oct 15, 2024

"Test Cricket Is...": R Ashwin's Staunch Take

Ashwin spoke about the difference in mentality needed in different days of a Test match.

Adesanya reveals financial struggles after Pereira loss

Oct 15, 2024

Adesanya reveals financial struggles after Pereira loss

UFC fighter Israel Adesanya has opened up on a dark period in his career when he was left financially poor following a loss to Alex Pereira during his kickboxing days in China. The Nigerian-born Kiwi UFC star and former middleweight champion, known for his flashy style and confidence in the octagon, shared a surprising tale Read More

Welsh football team ATTACKED with 'baseball bats and bike seats' after ill-tempered Sunday League clash - with one player suffering 'life-changing injuries' during the violent assault

Oct 15, 2024

Welsh football team ATTACKED with 'baseball bats and bike seats' after ill-tempered Sunday League clash - with one player suffering 'life-changing injuries' during the violent assault

Avenue Hotspur players, including goalkeeper Joel Collins - who suffered a broken knee - were attacked following their 3-1 defeat by Llanrumney Athletic last weekend.

The FA once chose Roy Hodgson over Pep Guardiola - they cannot afford to miss out on Man City boss again when he can end our 60 years of hurt, writes IAN HERBERT

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The FA once chose Roy Hodgson over Pep Guardiola - they cannot afford to miss out on Man City boss again when he can end our 60 years of hurt, writes IAN HERBERT

IAN HERBERT: The England manager's job held out a fascination for Pep Guardiola more than a decade ago and when the chance to attempt to recruit him arose, the FA blew it.

Huge development in case of truck driver whose vehicle killed beloved AFL reporter in horror accident as he fronts court

Oct 15, 2024

Huge development in case of truck driver whose vehicle killed beloved AFL reporter in horror accident as he fronts court

James Alexanda Latchford, 45, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he successfully appealed his licence suspension after the accident that fatally injured Sam Landsberger.

Pat Cummins shows off his dad bod in budgie smugglers as he enjoys a day at the beach with pregnant wife Becky and their son Albie

Oct 15, 2024

Pat Cummins shows off his dad bod in budgie smugglers as he enjoys a day at the beach with pregnant wife Becky and their son Albie

The Aussie skipper is getting in some quality family time with just weeks left before he becomes tied up with a jam-packed summer of cricket against Pakistan and India.

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