Head coach Rafael Marquez unveiled his 28-player squad for Mexico's upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series against Jamaica, featuring European-based forward Armando Leon.

Photo: Info7

Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including an 87th-minute winner following brilliant buildup play by Jude Bellingham, as Real Madrid closed the gap at the top of LaLiga to three points.

Photo: Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over rivals FC Barcelona at Camp Nou in LaLiga, ending the hosts' unbeaten league record and narrowing the championship gap to three points.

José Mourinho's tactical strategy yielded results in the first half. Despite early possession dominance from Barcelona through Raphinha and Anthony Gordon, Real Madrid struck first in the 41st minute. Yan Diomande delivered a cross from the left flank that Barcelona defender Gerard Martin attempted to clear. 

The ball deflected off Kylian Mbappe and bounced past goalkeeper Joan Garcia to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Lamine Yamal missed a clear opportunity to equalize two minutes later, firing wide from inside the box.

Hansi Flick's side increased attacking pressure in the second half and found the equalizer in the 60th minute. Following a quick corner taken by Lamine Yamal to Pedri, the midfielder slid a pass through to Raphinha, who converted past deputizing goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to make it 1-1.

As Barcelona pressed for a second, Real Madrid delivered the decisive blow in the closing minutes. In the 87th minute, Jude Bellingham evaded defenders in midfield with a spin move before releasing Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder played in Eduardo Camavinga, who squared the ball across the face of goal for Mbappe to tap home from close range. 

The goal marked Mbappe's 100th official goal in a Real Madrid shirt and secured all three points for the visitors. Barcelona remain top of LaLiga, but their advantage over Real Madrid has been reduced to three points.

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