Alex Eala’s streak ends at Belinda Bencic’s hands in Canadian Open

ROSARIO: Lionel Messi has cast fresh doubt over his football future following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, saying he is unsure whether he can continue playing for “much longer.” The Argentina superstar, 39, shared an emotional message after returning to the United States following his father’s funeral, describing Jorge as a central figure in both his personal life and extraordinary football career. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote, admitting that he now has “serious doubts” about continuing his career. Jorge Messi died last week at the age of 68. His absence was particularly painful for Lionel because his father had repeatedly encouraged him to compete at another World Cup. The pair had hoped Jorge would watch Messi play in the tournament, but his health deteriorated shortly before the competition began. Messi said he kept believing Argentina could reach the final and hoped his father would eventually be able to travel and watch him. Argentina did reach the final, but Messi’s team lost 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey. Messi scored eight goals during the tournament and was once again at the centre of his country’s campaign. Yet the tournament was overshadowed by his father’s declining health. “Every time a match ended I waited for and missed your message,” Messi recalled, explaining how he gradually realised how serious the situation had become. After the final, Messi returned to Rosario to spend time with his family. He said his father initially believed Argentina had lost the final on penalties and was unable to fully experience the tournament because of his condition. Despite the heartbreak, Messi remembered how much his father had contributed to his career. Jorge was not only his agent but also his first coach and one of his strongest supporters. When Barcelona invited the 13-year-old Messi to Spain in 2000, Jorge left Argentina and moved with his son, helping him pursue his football dream. He later managed Messi’s career through major moves involving Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. “You were a father, a friend, and an agent,” Messi wrote. For now, Messi’s future remains uncertain. His contract with Inter Miami reportedly runs through the end of the 2028 season, but his emotional message suggests that personal loss may force the football icon to reconsider how long he wants to remain on the pitch. For a player who has achieved almost everything in football, the next decision may be his most personal one yet.

Chelsea have brought in England midfielder Jordan Henderson on a free transfer, ending his short stint at Brentford and giving the veteran a fresh chapter at Stamford Bridge. The former Liverpool skipper, who was part of England’s squad at this year’s World Cup in North America, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Blues. Henderson said joining a club of Chelsea’s stature, working under a manager he rates highly, and playing alongside such a talented squad made the move impossible to turn down. He also pointed to the clear ambition shown by the club’s ownership as something that impressed him deeply. Looking ahead, he said his focus would simply be on working hard every day, on and off the pitch, to help his new teammates and push the team forward. Reports had already surfaced last week confirming that Henderson’s Brentford deal had been cancelled once Chelsea’s interest in the midfielder became apparent, setting the stage for a move between the two west London-adjacent rivals. The 36-year-old rose to prominence during his years at Liverpool, where he won both the Premier League and the Champions League. He departed Anfield in 2023 to join Saudi side Al-Ettifaq, before switching to Dutch giants Ajax only half a year later. His return to English football came last year through a two-year contract with Brentford. A veteran of 91 caps for England, Henderson featured in this year’s World Cup squad but played only sparingly, and later suffered a broken arm during the tournament. His move to Chelsea comes just two days after the club completed the signing of experienced striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton. It has been an active summer in the transfer market for the Blues, who already broke the British transfer record by paying £117 million ($157 million) for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, while also adding French defender Maxence Lacroix and Atalanta man Marco Palestra to their ranks. Chelsea’s previous campaign ended in disappointment, as they finished 10th in the Premier League table, narrowly behind Brentford, and missed out on European qualification altogether. Manager Xabi Alonso will now be eager to turn things around when his side begins the new season with an away trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on August 24.