Messi readies for final farewell in Argentina send-off

Manila Times - Oct 5, 2026

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi will bring the curtain down on his glittering Argentina career on Tuesday with a farewell friendly against Benin that marks the dawn of a new era for the South American champions. After more than two decades of service to his country, the 39-year-old superstar will hand over the captain's armband for good as he makes his final appearance in the Albiceleste jersey at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi will be joined for his international swansong by 85,000 spectators and several of the teammates with whom he reached the pinnacle of football at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, alongside members of Argentina's emerging generation. The friendly marks a symbolic passing of the torch for a player whose international legacy includes a World Cup title, two Copa America crowns and the Finalissima. Messi also bows out as Argentina's record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 games, as well as a record 68 assists. His farewell comes two and a half months after Argentina's ill-tempered World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi exited in tears after making little impression. "I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great...

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South African Jarvis eyes Alfred Dunhill title

Oct 4, 2026

South African Jarvis eyes Alfred Dunhill title

LONDON — Casey Jarvis on Saturday moved a step closer to winning the Alfred Dunhill Championship after building a two-stroke lead heading into the final round. Jarvis’s round of seven-under par on the Old Course at St Andrews maintained his fine form at the links event. The tournament is played over three courses — Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews — with the latter also hosting the last round on Sunday. Jarvis, who held a one-shot advantage overnight, opened with a superb eagle on his approach from 103 yards before picking up three birdies ahead of the turn despite the windy conditions. Two more on the back nine, at three and five, saw him sign for a 65, to sit at 18 under, ahead of Englishman Matthew Jordan and Poland’s Adrian Meronk, who shot the joint-best round of the day with a nine-under 63 at Kingsbarns. “I just felt like I was in control of my game today,” said Jarvis, who is aiming to seal a third DP World Tour win this season. “Every golfer dreams of taking a lead, playing the Old Course on Sunday. I got goosebumps right now just standing here. “I just can’t wait for tomorrow. Even if I don’t win, to be taking the lead, I am just going to enjoy it as much as I can.” Chasing his first DP World Tour win in his 183rd tournament, Jordan carded a bogey-free 66 during his third round at Kingsbarns. Belgian Thomas Detry is at 15-under after his seven-under at St Andrews, while Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen, who made a nine-under 63 at Kingsbarns, is four shots off the lead.

China swimmers Yu Zidi, Zhang Zhanshuo among Asian Games stars who could light up LA Games

Oct 4, 2026

China swimmers Yu Zidi, Zhang Zhanshuo among Asian Games stars who could light up LA Games

The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya close on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on a fortnight of competition featuring some record-breaking performances. Among the best performers were the two athletes named Asian Games MVPs: 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi and Thai track and field sprinter Boonson Puripol. Yu, who won all three of her individual events with ease, said “I’m no prodigy” after being named the women’s MVP on Sunday. The schoolgirl, who looks poised to take the Los Angeles 2028...

China swimmers Yu Zidi, Zhang Zhanshuo among Asian Games stars who could light up LA Games

Oct 4, 2026

China swimmers Yu Zidi, Zhang Zhanshuo among Asian Games stars who could light up LA Games

The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya close on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on a fortnight of competition featuring some record-breaking performances. Among the best performers were the two athletes named Asian Games MVPs: 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi and Thai track and field sprinter Boonson Puripol. Yu, who won all three of her individual events with ease, said “I’m no prodigy” after being named the women’s MVP on Sunday. The schoolgirl, who looks poised to take the Los Angeles 2028...

South Korean Asian Games footballers’ joy over national service exemptions raises ire

Oct 4, 2026

South Korean Asian Games footballers’ joy over national service exemptions raises ire

What was meant to be a few glorious moments could spark policy reform in South Korea after post-match comments from a couple of gold-medal-winning footballers triggered heated debate. South Korea beat hosts Japan 1-0 at the Toyota Stadium to win their fourth straight – and seventh overall – men’s football title at the Asian Games, leading to 20 of the 23-strong squad earning exemptions from military service. While the exemption was not an exclusive perk for the country’s footballers but for all...

South Korean Asian Games footballers’ joy over national service exemptions raises ire

Oct 4, 2026

South Korean Asian Games footballers’ joy over national service exemptions raises ire

What was meant to be a few glorious moments could spark policy reform in South Korea after post-match comments from a couple of gold-medal-winning footballers triggered heated debate. South Korea beat hosts Japan 1-0 at the Toyota Stadium to win their fourth straight – and seventh overall – men’s football title at the Asian Games, leading to 20 of the 23-strong squad earning exemptions from military service. While the exemption was not an exclusive perk for the country’s footballers but for all...

PH still MLBB boss, but a Filipino coach is helping Myanmar find its identity

Oct 4, 2026

PH still MLBB boss, but a Filipino coach is helping Myanmar find its identity

The Philippines may still be the country to beat in the competitive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang scene.

UAAP: FEU stuns UP for first time in seven years

Oct 4, 2026

UAAP: FEU stuns UP for first time in seven years

Far Eastern University claimed another win against a UAAP Season 88 finalist, this time defeating University of the Philippines, 90-79, Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

FEU gets first UAAP men's basketball win over UP in 7 years

Oct 4, 2026

FEU gets first UAAP men's basketball win over UP in 7 years

MANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern University defeated University of the Philippines, 90-79, for the first time in seven years to roll to its third straight win in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament at the PhilSports Arena Sunday. Kirby Mongcopa poured 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists to lead the Tamaraws, who last defeated the Fighting Maroons in the second round of Season 82 back in 2019. Jorick Bautista aided Mongcopa with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, as FEU improved to 3-1 for a share of the standings lead with Ateneo de Manila. UP suffered its second straight loss to fall to 2-2 for a four-way tie with National University, University of Santo Tomas, and De La Salle from fourth to seventh places.

LOOK; FEU def. UP, (90-79)

Oct 4, 2026

LOOK; FEU def. UP, (90-79)

UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament FEU def. UP, (90-79) Kirby Mongcopa Player of the game #UAAPSeason89

David Hayes happy to test Ka Ying Rising on rain-affected Randwick in Everest trial

Oct 4, 2026

David Hayes happy to test Ka Ying Rising on rain-affected Randwick in Everest trial

David Hayes would be more than happy to see a rain-affected Randwick track for superstar Ka Ying Rising’s important trial to “dispel that rumour that he doesn’t go on the wet”. The world’s highest-rated galloper headlines a seven-horse field for Tuesday’s 1,000m trial, which will serve as a key hit-out in preparation for the champion’s defence of his Group One The Everest (1,200m) crown on October 17. Heavy rain lashed Sydney on Saturday and while conditions are expected to clear in the lead-up...

Curtain comes down on Asian Games after 2 weeks of turmoil, record-breaking performances

Oct 4, 2026

Curtain comes down on Asian Games after 2 weeks of turmoil, record-breaking performances

The curtain came down on the Asian Games on Sunday, with officials hoping the fortnight in Japan would be remembered not for the chaos dogging every step but for the athletic performances that brought more than 150 world, junior and continental records. In keeping with the overall approach of the Games, the closing ceremony was a strange affair, one that felt a little like adults trying to be cool in a room full of teenagers. The fact it took place in front of rows and rows of empty seats at a...

Frankie Lor’s patience rewarded as Horsepower and Mr Cool snap losing runs at Sha Tin

Oct 4, 2026

Frankie Lor’s patience rewarded as Horsepower and Mr Cool snap losing runs at Sha Tin

Patience was indeed a virtue for trainer Frankie Lor Fu-chuen after quirky pair Horsepower and Mr Cool snapped huge 529 and 546-day losing streaks respectively at Sha Tin on Sunday. Horsepower had last tasted success way back in April last year, but it was not for a lack of trying. In 12 runs since that win, he had finished second on three occasions, and put the writing on the wall with a half-length fourth at Happy Valley on reappearance. The Harry Angel galloper was sent off an unconsidered...

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