Argentina bids Messi farewell in final national team match, ending an era
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina has said an emotional goodbye to soccer great Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old played his final national team match Tuesday, scoring once and setting up two more goals in a win over Benin. Fans packed a Buenos Aires stadium, chanting his name and bowing toward him. His departure ends a 21-year international career that brought Argentina a World Cup title and two South American championships. Once accused of indifference to his country, Messi leaves as a national hero whose triumphs offered Argentines relief from years of political and economic turmoil. He will continue playing for Inter Miami.
Missouri freshman offensive lineman Johnnie ‘DJ’ Jones is hospitalized, needs a heart transplant
Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ” Jones needs a heart transplant and is hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Coach Eli Drinkwitz revealed the news about Jones during an emotional news conference on Tuesday. He says Missouri staff initially detected an issue with Jones’ heart over the summer during freshman intake testing. Jones later got a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic, where doctors detected a much more serious heart problem. Drinkwitz is urging Mizzou fans to pray for Jones, saying the team wasn’t prepared for that kind of news.
Panthers forward Brad Marchand sustains left leg injury in second period against Kings
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand sustained a left leg injury in the second period of their 2-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings. Marchand was hurt after taking a stick to the face from Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke with 52.6 seconds remaining, which caused him to twist around and collide with the right post before his left leg bent back in an awkward way. Marchand was down on the ice for several minutes being examined by an athletic trainer before teammates Brady Tkachuk and Niko Mikkola helped him to the bench, with Marchand unable to put any weight on his leg.
Top draft pick Gavin McKenna picks up first NHL goal, assist for Toronto against Predators
TORONTO (AP) — No. 1 draft pick Gavin McKenna scored his first NHL goal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. McKenna scored on Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros in the second period of his fourth professional game. The 18-year-old took a pass from Auston Matthews, beat Saros with a high shot and then dropped to one knee in celebration at Scotiabank Arena. McKenna also had an assist on Toronto’s first goal by William Nylander for his first NHL point.
Padres pitchers step up after star closer Mason Miller goes on paternity list before Game 3 of NLDS
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Padres stepped up with a resourceful bullpen performance to win Game 3 of their NL Division Series over the Milwaukee Brewers in the absence of top relievers Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon. Miller, the team’s All-Star closer, went on the paternity list about 45 minutes before the first pitch. Morejon, an elite setup man, has shoulder discomfort. But after starter Nick Pivetta faltered in the fifth, three relievers fought to get eight outs against the Brewers’ relentless lineup before Game 2 starter Michael King took care of the final two innings on one day of rest for his first save since 2023.
Roberts moves struggling Ohtani to No. 5 spot in Dodgers’ lineup in NLDS Game 3 against Braves
ATLANTA (AP) — Manager Dave Roberts has juggled the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for Game 3 of their NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, moving designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to the No. 5 spot. Roberts says the move is a one-game adjustment to give the Dodgers a different look against Braves left-hander Chris Sale. When Sale shut out the Dodgers 1-0 on Aug. 26, the left-handed-hitting Ohtani was 0 for 4 with two strikeouts. For his career, Ohtani is 3 for 15 against Sale. The No. 5 spot is the lowest Ohtani has hit since 2020 with the Angels. Roberts says Ohtani understands the move.
Kiké Hernández continues clutch postseason hitting for Dodgers with a 2-run homer off Chris Sale
ATLANTA (AP) — Kiké Hernández is no stranger to postseason success. The veteran Dodgers utilityman took advantage of his first start in these playoffs and delivered the key blow in Los Angeles’ 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of their NL Division Series. Hernández, playing third base and batting ninth, hit a two-run homer off Braves ace Chris Sale in the fourth inning that opened the scoring and gave the Dodgers a lead they never relinquished. Los Angeles leads the best-of-five series 2-1 and has a chance to advance to the National League Championship Series on Wednesday. Hernández has 17 postseason homers in his career, making him a standout performer when it counts most.
Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson retires after 14 seasons
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson has announced his retirement from the NFL after 14 seasons. Johnson had been a late scratch for last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams for personal reasons. He said Tuesday despite wanting to finish the season, his “personal and family priorities in my life have changed.” Johnson missed four days of training camp for personal reasons before saying that this season would probably be his last. The 36-year-old Johnson was a first-round pick in 2013 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and 2022. He earned second-team honors in 2021, 2023 and 2024.