Newly appointed manager Rafael Márquez has announced his inaugural 26-man squad for Mexico's upcoming autumn friendlies in the United States.

Photo: @miseleccionmx

The Rafael Márquez era for the Mexican National Team is officially underway. The newly appointed manager revealed his inaugural 26-man squad on Thursday, setting the stage for El Tri's upcoming friendlies during the September and October international window. This initial roster marks the official kickoff of the national team's preparations toward the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Mexico's autumn tour in the United States features four high-profile matches designed to test new tactical frameworks and evaluate emerging talent. Márquez will make his managerial debut on September 26 against Colombia at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. El Tri will subsequently face Peru on September 29 in New Jersey, take on the United States on October 3 in Phoenix, Arizona, and conclude the series against Chile on October 6 in Los Angeles. These fixtures serve as crucial preparations ahead of November's Concacaf Nations League matches.

The roster selection reflects a careful balance between established figures and exciting new faces, though it is shaped by notable absences. Key players such as Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones, and César Montes were ruled out due to physical ailments, while midfielder Edson Álvarez and winger César Huerta missed out due to a lack of recent playing time. Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa steps aside following his historic sixth World Cup appearance in 2026. Domestic giants Chivas feature prominently with six players included in the wider setup, while European-based standouts like Santiago Giménez, Hirving Lozano, and Johan Vásquez anchor the core group.

Supporting Márquez in this new endeavor is a highly experienced coaching staff featuring Juan Manuel Lillo and Andrés Guardado, bringing a wealth of tactical knowledge and international leadership as Mexico builds toward the next decade.

Goalkeepers

• Raúl Rangel
• Óscar García
• Álex Padilla

Defenses

• Johan Vásquez
• César Montes
• Víctor Guzmán
• Israel Reyes
• Everardo López
• Jorge Sánchez
• Jesús Gallardo
• Diego Campillo
• Mateo Chávez

Midfielder

• Luis Romo
• Luis Chávez
• Álvaro Fidalgo
• Érick Lira
• Orbelín Pineda
• Alan Cervantes
• Obed Vargas
• Jeremy Márquez
• Denzell García
• Gilberto Mora

Forwards

• Roberto Alvarado
• Hirving Lozano
• Santiago Giménez
• Armando González
• Germán Berterame
• Santiago Sandoval
• Hugo Camberos
• Isaías Violante

At 39 and after 207 appearances, Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team following the 2026 World Cup and personal reflection.

Photo: Getty Images

World football bids farewell to its greatest international icon. Lionel Messi announced his final retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, August 31, bringing a golden two-decade chapter with the Albiceleste to a close. At 39 years old, the historic captain and talisman communicated a decision that, although contemplated since the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was deeply reinforced by the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8.

In an open letter shared via his official social media channels, the Inter Miami forward revealed that the text was originally drafted on July 21—just two days after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. However, recent family events solidified his final conviction. "I always gave my all, not just in the recent years when we won everything, but before too," Messi wrote, highlighting the unwavering commitment that defined his 207 appearances and 125 goals for the senior national team, establishing him as the country’s all-time leading scorer.

Messi’s journey with Argentina encompasses profound heartache and absolute glory. After years of heartbreak and near-misses, the Rosario native leaves having secured the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the 2024 Copa América, alongside a runner-up finish at the 2026 World Cup. Accumulating 68 assists and unmatched leadership, his tenure fundamentally transformed modern Argentine football and left an indelible mark on the international stage.

"I emptied myself, I have nothing left to give, and besides, great young players are coming up who deserve their place," Messi stated, acknowledging that a generational transition is vital for the Albiceleste's future. Although he remains contracted with Inter Miami in MLS through 2028, the iconic sky-blue and white jersey will no longer bear his number on the pitch. "Now I will be just one more of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside," he concluded, ending a chapter that defined generations of football fans worldwide.

Powered by goals from Raphael Veiga and Brian Rodríguez, alongside a crucial penalty save by Rodolfo Cota, Club América defeated Columbus Crew 2-0 to advance to the 2026 Leagues Cup semifinals.

Foto: @ClubAmerica

Powered by a late-match screamer from Orbelín Pineda and a resilient performance, Rayados de Monterrey edged Chicago Fire 2-1 to reach the 2026 Leagues Cup semifinals.

Photo: @Rayados

Resilience and individual brilliance are often the defining traits of championship contenders. In a high-stakes quarterfinal clash of the 2026 Leagues Cup, Rayados de Monterrey showcased both qualities, overcoming adversity to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire and punching their ticket to the tournament’s semifinals.

Matías Almeyda’s side entered the match looking to maintain continental momentum against a formidable Chicago Fire squad that arrived with a flawless group-stage record and status as one of Major League Soccer's standout performers. The opening exchanges demanded absolute focus, with both midfields battling fiercely for territorial control.

The first golden opportunity for the visitors from Monterrey arrived in the opening half when Hugo Cuypers was brought down inside the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot. However, Lucas Ocampos squandered the chance to break the deadlock, seeing his penalty attempt crash against the left post.

Despite the psychological blow, Rayados regrouped just before halftime. In the 45+4th minute, Gerardo Arteaga delivered a pinpoint cross into the area, where Víctor Guzmán met it with a powerful header that flew straight into the top corner, sending Monterrey into the locker rooms with a 1-0 advantage.

Chicago responded immediately after the break, pressing higher up the pitch. Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when Philip Zinckernagel found space inside the penalty area and fired a low, precise shot past the goalkeeper to tie the score at 1-1.

As tension gripped the pitch and extra time loomed large, the match found its decisive turning point. In the 83rd minute, Orbelín Pineda picked up a loose ball outside the area and unleashed a breathtaking right-footed rocket that sailed straight into the far top corner, leaving Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady with zero chance and restoring Monterrey's lead at 2-1.

With the final whistle, Rayados confirmed a gritty 2-1 triumph, advancing to the semifinals of the 2026 Leagues Cup where they will face the winner of the matchup between Club América and Columbus Crew.

Launching a decisive attack 34 kilometers from the finish in Bad Dürkheim, Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro secured second place on the queen stage to claim the overall lead at the 2026 Tour of Germany.

Foto: Instagram isaac_deltoro_romero1

The rain-slicked roads of Rhineland-Palatinate served as the backdrop for another masterclass in tactical awareness and climbing prowess from Mexican cycling sensation Isaac del Toro. Competing in the 2026 Lidl Deutschland Tour, Stage 3 established itself as the queen stage of the race, featuring a grueling 170.8-kilometer trek from Herxheim bei Landau to Bad Dürkheim with over 3,100 meters of cumulative elevation gain.

From the outset, the peloton maintained a punishing pace across the undulating terrain. UAE Team Emirates-XRG executed a precise strategy to protect their leader as the major contenders vied for control on the demanding climbs. The tactical turning point arrived with 34 kilometers remaining when Del Toro launched a blistering attack on the Rotsteig climb, shattering the main group and dropping overnight leader Louis Barré.

The Mexican prodigy quickly bridged the gap to Italian rider Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), forming a two-man breakaway that successfully held off the chasing pack. In the sprint to the finish line in Bad Dürkheim, Pellizzari claimed stage victory in 4 hours, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds, while Del Toro crossed safely in second with the exact same time, securing crucial bonus seconds and optimal positioning.

The stellar performance allowed Del Toro to overturn a six-second deficit, overtaking Team Visma’s Louis Barré to capture the blue leader's jersey. Holding a 52-second advantage heading into Sunday’s fourth and final stage—a 156-kilometer test starting and finishing in Heilbronn—Del Toro stands on the cusp of an extraordinary overall victory in Germany.