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International Football

All articles tagged with #international football

Messi’s Farewell Caps a Golden Era as Ronaldo’s Rift with Portugal Deepens
sport7 days ago

Messi’s Farewell Caps a Golden Era as Ronaldo’s Rift with Portugal Deepens

Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina on Tuesday, October 6, against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old, who has scored 125 goals in 208 caps, is retiring from international football following the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain and the death of his father. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is embroiled in a public dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, having missed three recent matches after walking out of the training camp. While Messi’s exit is marked by celebration and sold-out crowds, Ronaldo’s situation remains unresolved, with Portugal winning all games without him.

Commanders' Quarterback Crisis Deepens as Colts Win 30-13 in London
sports9 days ago

Commanders' Quarterback Crisis Deepens as Colts Win 30-13 in London

The Washington Commanders lost 30-13 to the Indianapolis Colts in London, exposing a severe quarterback shortage. With starter Jayden Daniels out with an elbow injury, backup Marcus Mariota suffered a knee injury in the first quarter, forcing rookie Athan Kaliakmanis to play the remainder of the game. The Commanders' offense struggled significantly, while the Colts' running game, led by Jonathan Taylor, dominated. Washington now faces uncertainty regarding its starting quarterback for the next game against the New York Giants.

Loop's Buzzer-Beater Seals Ravens' 34-31 Win in Historic Rio Debut
sports15 days ago

Loop's Buzzer-Beater Seals Ravens' 34-31 Win in Historic Rio Debut

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 in the NFL's first game in Brazil, winning on a 56-yard field goal with no time remaining. Lamar Jackson engineered a final 27-yard drive to set up the kick, while Derrick Henry rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns. The match at Maracanã Stadium featured three lead changes in the final two minutes, improving Baltimore's record to 2-1 and dropping Dallas to 1-2.

Ravens Edge Cowboys 34-31 in Final-Play Thriller at Maracanã
sports15 days ago

Ravens Edge Cowboys 34-31 in Final-Play Thriller at Maracanã

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 in a dramatic Week 3 NFL game at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Lamar Jackson engineered a 7-second, 27-yard drive to set up Tyler Loop’s 56-yard game-winning field goal with no time remaining. The match featured three lead changes in the final two minutes, with Derrick Henry rushing for 89 yards and two touchdowns for Baltimore. The game marked the NFL’s first event in Rio, following concerns over the playing surface, and concluded with the Ravens improving to 2-1 while the Cowboys fell to 1-2.

NFL certifies Maracanã field for Ravens-Cowboys clash despite persistent traction concerns
sports16 days ago

NFL certifies Maracanã field for Ravens-Cowboys clash despite persistent traction concerns

The NFL has officially cleared the playing surface at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro for the Week 3 matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. Despite significant pre-game concerns regarding turf traction and stability, league officials confirmed the field is safe for play following inspections and repairs. The game marks the first NFL contest at this venue, continuing the league's international expansion strategy.

Ravens and Cowboys Proceed with Rio Game Despite Maracanã Field Concerns
sports16 days ago

Ravens and Cowboys Proceed with Rio Game Despite Maracanã Field Concerns

The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys will play their Week 3 NFL game at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, despite significant concerns about the playing surface. Close-up images show synthetic grass stitching, and the NFLPA has criticized the field's traction. Both teams have arrived in Brazil, with the Ravens focusing on recovery and the Cowboys preparing for a shootout. The game is the NFL's third consecutive year in Brazil, highlighting the league's international expansion efforts.

Ravens and Cowboys press ahead with Rio game despite Maracanã field repairs
sports18 days ago

Ravens and Cowboys press ahead with Rio game despite Maracanã field repairs

The NFL is proceeding with the Week 3 matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, despite significant concerns regarding the playing surface. The venue is undergoing emergency repairs, including the application of synthetic fiber stitching to reinforce the grass, which has been damaged by recent rain. Both teams are traveling to Brazil to play the historic first NFL game in the country, with the Cowboys focusing on rest and the Ravens aiming to bounce back from a recent loss. Pundits largely favor the Ravens, citing the Cowboys' vulnerability to mobile quarterbacks, though field conditions remain a major variable.

Messi retires from Argentina duty, ending an era of international football
sports1 month ago

Messi retires from Argentina duty, ending an era of international football

Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, saying the decision hurts his soul after a 21-year career that included leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and two Copa America titles; his last appearance was the World Cup final defeat to Spain. He finishes with 207 caps and 125 goals, briefly becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer before Mbappé moved ahead, and will continue playing for Inter Miami in MLS for at least two more years.

Messi bids farewell to Argentina duty, ending a storied international era
sports1 month ago

Messi bids farewell to Argentina duty, ending a storied international era

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina duty after 207 caps, capping a career highlighted by the 2022 World Cup win, runner-up finishes in 2014 and this year, and two Copa América titles. He said the decision hurts but time has come, he’s given everything for the jersey, and with younger players deserving a chance — a move also influenced by his father’s death last month — he will retire from international football while continuing at club level with Inter Miami.

Spain’s 37‑match unbeaten run tees up a World Cup final test
sports2 months ago

Spain’s 37‑match unbeaten run tees up a World Cup final test

Spain extended their 37-match unbeaten run (no defeats in normal or extra time), tying the best stretch by a European side and signaling a potential World Cup final showdown. The streak began with a 1-0 loss to Colombia in March 2024 and has featured heavy rotation—62 players used—with a core including Marc Cucurella, Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. A 2-0 win over France kept them on track, though they were briefly dealt a setback by Portugal on penalties in the 2025 Nations League final. The run underscores Spain’s two-decade era of dominance, compares to Brazil and Argentina’s long unbeaten runs, and sets the stage for a historically significant World Cup campaign under Luis de la Fuente.

Isak and Gyokeres spark Sweden in World Cup 2026 showdown with Netherlands
sports3 months ago

Isak and Gyokeres spark Sweden in World Cup 2026 showdown with Netherlands

Netherlands name a fit Frenkie de Jong to start, with Memphis Depay benched and Quinten Timber out with concussion, while Sweden’s attack is led by Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres and Yasin Ayari starts in midfield. Sweden sit top with 3 points after beating Tunisia; the Netherlands and Japan have 1 each, Tunisia 0, making this group-stage clash pivotal. Kick-off is 6pm UK/1pm ET as live updates cover injury news, lineups and pre-match thoughts from Koeman and Potter.