A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will not participate in the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup, USA Basketball announced Monday, citing health reasons. Both players will be replaced by Washington Mystics teammates Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron.
Wilson, a four-time WNBA Most Valuable Player and the standout star of the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2022 World Cup, has been managing a demanding workload with the Las Vegas Aces during the current season. The decision to rest aims to preserve her health ahead of the WNBA playoffs. Wilson’s absence represents a significant loss for the United States team.
Plum has been sidelined for much of the WNBA season due to a persistent calf injury that remains unresolved. She was instrumental in the U.S. victory over France in the narrow gold-medal match at the Paris Olympics. In an Instagram statement, Plum said she exhausted all options to return but ultimately prioritized long-term recovery after consulting with her family, medical staff, and coaches. “This is not an easy decision as I love to compete, but I know it’s the right one for the long term,” she said.
In tennis, Venus Williams was eliminated early from the U.S. Open on Monday, losing in straight sets to fellow American wild card Sofia Kenin. The 46-year-old former world No. 1 fell 6-2, 7-6 (7-6) in what may be her final singles match at a Grand Slam event, extending her losing streak to 15 matches since her last victory in July 2025. This defeat marks her sixth consecutive first-round exit at the U.S. Open since 2019. Williams, who has appeared in 26 U.S. Open singles tournaments, expressed her focus on recovery and preparation for the upcoming doubles competition alongside her sister Serena. The match was delayed by more than four hours due to a lengthy preceding match, resulting in the latest start time in U.S. Open history at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In international soccer, Argentine forward Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the national team on Monday, ending a 21-year tenure highlighted by winning the 2022 World Cup. The 39-year-old, who will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, played in six World Cups, tying the record for appearances. Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final in 2014 and again in 2026, where they fell to Spain in extra time. In a statement on Instagram, Messi said the decision was one of the hardest of his life but acknowledged that the time had come to step away. He reflected on his efforts and passion representing Argentina throughout his career, affirming his commitment to bringing pride to his country through football. Messi’s legacy places him alongside Diego Maradona and Pelé among the sport’s all-time greats.