Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international soccer, concluding a 21-year career with the Argentina national team. The Argentine forward’s tenure was highlighted by leading his country to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

In transfer news, Folarin Balogun, a forward for the United States men’s national team, is reportedly nearing a return to the English Premier League. Everton is preparing to make a $47.5 million offer for the 25-year-old striker, who scored three goals during this year’s World Cup. Balogun’s campaign almost ended prematurely when he received a red card, narrowly missing the Round of 16.

Major League Baseball saw Ketel Marte return to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting lineup amid mixed reactions. The three-time All-Star faced boos from the home crowd in Phoenix two weeks after he unexpectedly failed to appear before a game in Boston, which left the team in a difficult position. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox secured a 9-8 victory over the Seattle Mariners in extra innings, thanks to Trevor Story’s bases-loaded walk-off single in the 10th inning. The Mariners had intentionally walked two batters before Story’s decisive hit.

In additional MLB trade activity, the Chicago White Sox acquired outfielders Tommy Pham from the Philadelphia Phillies and Jake Cave from the Tampa Bay Rays. Both transactions involved cash considerations.

On the women’s basketball front, USA Basketball announced that WNBA stars A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will not participate in the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup due to health issues. The Washington Mystics teammates Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron have been named as their replacements on the roster.

In legal news related to the NFL, Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper appeared in a Douglas County, Colorado courtroom to enter a plea of not guilty. Cooper faces multiple charges linked to altercations with his then-girlfriend that occurred in June.