Messi’s relationship with Argentina was built through repeated disappointments. He reached the 2014 World Cup final and lost to Germany. He then suffered defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals against Chile. Having lost three consecutive major finals, Messi announced his international retirement. However, it wasn’t meant to be the end as he reversed his decision a couple months later and so began the quest for the unfinished business.

Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both struck twice as the champions beat Rayo Vallecano 5-2 on Monday to continue their perfect start to the campaign.

Arsenal extended their flawless start to the Premier League season as Bukayo Saka sealed the champions' 1-0 win against troubled Aston Villa on Monday.

Dutch international Donyell Malen was the hero again as Roma ran Lecce ragged in Serie A on Monday with a mesmerising 4-0 away win where the in-form forward scored twice.

Manchester City have agreed to sign Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye from Everton in a deal worth £65 million, according to reports on Monday.

Bangladesh’s bid to qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals got off to a disappointing start as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Uzbekistan in their Group B qualifier at Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Monday.

After two decades with the Argentine national team, the captain announced his farewell in a message that felt less like a formal retirement statement and more like a personal letter to the country he had represented since he was a teenager.

Lionel Messi brought down the curtain on his extraordinary international career on Monday, announcing his retirement soon after inspiring Argentina to within one victory of a second successive World Cup triumph.

Argentina legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football for a second time in a social media post on Monday.

Argentina legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football through a social media post on Monday.

Since the World Cup, UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments until Infantino scrapped the FIFA Forward Enterprises plan to bring in private investment.

Liverpool have completed the signing of France forward Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain for a fee worth up to £123m on Monday.

The 28-year-old joins the Blades for an undisclosed fee, returning to Bramall Lane after becoming a fan favourite during a successful loan spell in 2025.

Among the deals still hanging in the balance are some of the biggest names in European football, with Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Cody Gakpo all potentially on the move.

After an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign, the England international looks physically sharper and tactically liberated. And with Mourinho giving him the freedom to roam, "Hey Jude" is beginning to sound familiar around the Bernabeu again.

In total, Chelsea have paid Villa £163.5m for players since 2022, while Villa have spent £102.5m on Chelsea players, including Axel Disasi's loan fee.

Hakan Calhanoglu's early strike earned Inter Milan a 1-0 win at Cagliari on Sunday as they continued a perfect start to their Serie A title defence, while Como edged Napoli 2-1 to spoil Massimiliano Allegri's home debut.

Several BFF executive committee members had reportedly shown interest in the manager’s position. One of those who had been in the running told The Daily Star that Amer had initially been expected to continue before pressure from a particular quarter led to Babu’s appointment. There has been similar talk within football circles about Babu receiving backing from influential figures associated with Mohammedan Sporting Club.

Bangladesh’s bid to qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals faces its biggest test when the men in red and green take on 2023 champions Uzbekistan in their Group B qualifying opener at Do'stlik Stadium in Tashkent tonight.

Xabi Alonso said Chelsea are still a work in progress after a thrilling 4-3 win against Brighton on Sunday extended his perfect start as Blues boss.