Soccer

9/2/2026 |  After Messi’s farewell, what is next for Argentina’s national team? (Associated Press (AP)) BUENOS AIRES (AP) — What now for Argentina?
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the national team on Monday after a 21-year career, leaving behind a legacy of 125 goals and the 2022 World Cup title. As captain and talisman, his departure raises big questions about the future of a team that reached the World Cup final just six weeks ago. 

9/2/2026 |  English clubs spend a staggering $4.7B in transfer window as Fernandez signing caps $600M City spree (Associated Press (AP)) English soccer flexed its unrivaled spending power by embarking on an unprecedented $4.7 billion outlay on players in the summer transfer window — and Manchester City saved the biggest signing of the lot right to the very end.

9/2/2026 |  Belgian soccer club blocked by mayor from hosting Israeli opponent in Europa League (NBC Sports) BRUSSELS — A Belgian mayor is refusing to let his city host Israeli club Hapoel Beer-Sheva for a Europa League game, meaning Union Saint-Gilloise will need to find a new venue for the match.

9/2/2026 |  USA soccer star Folarin Balogun nixes transfer to Everton (United Press International (UPI)) Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Monaco's Folarin Balogun nixed a transfer to Everton and is on track to remain with the Ligue 1 soccer club.Sources told The Athletic, ESPN and Sky Sports about the development Wednesday. Those outlets previously reported that Monaco and the English Premier League club agreed to a $52 million deal for Balogun's transfer on Monday. 

9/2/2026 |  Folarin Balogun's failed transfer a disaster for all involved (Yardbarker) It could've been something magical. U. S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun, fresh off a three-goal World Cup, was set to become the Premier League's next big-budget striker. He and Liverpool-based Everton had agreed to terms; everything was in place for the deal to move forward.