His memorable night nearly ended in a hat trick.

Messi, playing in his final World Cup qualifying match in his native Argentina, scored two goals (39’ and 80’) to fuel the defending World Cup champions to a 3-0 win over Venezuela as Mas Monumental Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Lautaro Martinez added another goal (76’), sparked by Messi, in the victory for Argentina, which has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Messi has yet to declare whether he will play in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. He will make that announcement another day, he acknowledged after the match.

‘I don’t want it to end never, but I’m aware that the moment is approaching. It will happen when it has to happen, meanwhile I’m going step by step, living day by day,’ said Messi, 38. ‘It was a very nice, and special day for me.’

On this day, Messi treated the match like his final opportunity to play in front of his most avid fans in his home country – with no other friendlies or matches of consequence scheduled in Argentina before or after the World Cup.

Messi’s teammates made sure to find their Argentine captain, and arguably one of the greatest soccer players of all time during the match.

Julián Alvarez could have scored before halftime, but saw Messi out of the corner of his eye trailing toward the net. Alvarez dropped the ball off to Messi, who took one touch before chipping his goal into the back of the net over several diving Venezuela defenders hoping to stop the inevitable.

Martinez scored his header in front of the net to double Argentina’s lead, but it was Messi, who started the possession with a free kick to Nicolás González up the pitch.

Messi punctuated the night with a simple left touch after a pass from Thiago Almada, looking for the Argentine captain to finish the play.

Messi nearly secured a hat trick in the 89th minute, but was caught offsides, slightly running ahead of the play he finished with another shot into the back of the net before the referee raised his flag.

The match marked the first time Messi scored for the national team in nearly a year. The last time, Messi had a hat trick and two assists in a 6-0 victory over Bolivia on Oct. 15, 2024.  

Messi played in his 72nd World Cup qualifier, no other player has played more in South American qualifying.

While Messi treated the occasion like his last match in his home country, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said the national team will surely plan to have another match if Messi wishes.

‘[Thursday] will be a beautiful, exciting game. Surely, it won’t be his last game in Argentina, and I saw that from the point of view that, if he decides it will be his last, we’ll make sure he gets to play another one,’ Scaloni said before the match. ‘We’ll find the right moment, because he deserves it.’

Argentina 3, Venezuela 0: Messi nearly has hat trick, but offsides

Messi nearly had a hat trick, but was caught offsides in the 89th minute after loafing another kick into the back of the net.

Argentina 3, Venezuela 0: Lionel Messi scores second goal in 80’

Lionel Messi has a brace, scoring his second goal in the 80th minute, after an assist from Thiago Almada.

Messi scored with a simple left touch after a pass from Almada, who knew the Argentine captain was entering the penalty area on a charge up the field.

In what could be Messi’s last match in Argentina, he has two goals.

Argentina 2, Venezuela 0: Lautaro Martinez scores goal in 76’

Argentina has doubled its lead, and Messi had a hand (or a foot?) in the play.

Lautaro Martinez scored a header goal in front of the net in the 76th minute, finishing a pass from Nicolás González, who was sent up the pitch on a free kick by Messi to start the play.

Martinez, the Inter Milan standout who scored Argentina’s game-winner in the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia, scored just two minutes after being substituted into the match off the bench.

Argentina 1, Venezuela 0: Lionel Messi scores goal in 39th minute

JuliánAlvarez could have taken the shot, but he saw his captain out of the corner of his eye. Lionel Messi softly kicked a goal with his legendary left boot in the 39th minute to give Argentina an early lead against Venezuela. A fitting assist by Alvarez, and a classic finish by Messi to send the Argentine fans into a frenzy.

Messi update from Argentina vs. Venezuela match

Messi has been active in his first 30 minutes of the match, but has yet to affect the scoreboard.

Messi fired a shot in the 26th minute, but it was blocked by the goalkeeper Rafael Romo. He was also awarded a free kick in the 29th minute after being tripped by Eduard Bello outside the penalty box, but his kick was blocked by the wall of Venezuelan defenders.

Still, Messi looks healthy and engaged after a hamstring injury hampered him for much of the last month.

Messi’s sons join him for national anthem before Argentina vs. Venezuela

An emotion Messi on verge of tears during pregame warmups

Lionel Messi, understandibly full of emotion, as he warms up before Argentina’s match against Venezuela tonight.

Messi in Argentina starting lineup vs. Venezuela

How to watch Messi’s last match in Argentina on Sept. 4?

The match will be broadcast on Universo and can be streamed on Fubo.

Watch Argentina vs. Venezuela on Fanatiz PPV

What time is the Argentina vs. Venezuela match?

The match begins at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina) at Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Is Messi playing tonight?

For the reasons listed above, it appears very likely Messi will play with Argentina against Venezuela.

When is the next time Messi will play with Argentina after Venezuela match?

Argentina will visit Ecuador on Sept. 9 to conclude Conmebol World Cup qualifying, but it’s possible Messi will return to South Florida as Inter Miami prepares for the last stretch of the 2025 MLS season.

Will Messi play with Argentina in October or November?

Messi could potentially participate in four more Argentina friendly matches later this year.

Argentina is planning to play two friendly matches in the United States between October 6-14 with locations and opponents to be determined. These friendlies would coincide with Inter Miami’s MLS season, potentially creating a scheduling conflict for Messi.

Argentina will also play two friendly matches between Nov. 10-18 in in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India with opponents to be determined. These friendlies would fall under a FIFA international window.

Messi’s upcoming schedule with Inter Miami and Argentina

Sept. 4: Argentina vs. Venezuela (World Cup qualifying)
Sept. 9: Ecuador vs. Argentina (World Cup qualifying)
Sept. 13: Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. (MLS regular season)
Sept. 16: Inter Miami vs. Seattle Sounders, 7:30 p.m. (MLS regular season)
Sept. 20: Inter Miami vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. (MLS regular season)
Sept. 24: New York City FC vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. (MLS regular season)
Sept. 27: Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami, 4:30 p.m. (MLS regular season)
Sept. 30: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. (MLS regular season)

More than three weeks ago, Claressa Shields fired verbal shots at Laila Ali over their potential boxing match.

‘Laila and her representatives have told us no,’ Shields said during an interview with TMZ. ‘… I’m not upset. I wouldn’t fight me either. You know what I’m saying? I understand that she’s scared.’

But Amber Noble, a business partner of Ali, has responded. Noble, who said she has spoken to Shields’ representatives, disputed that Ali has declined to fight Shields.

‘I can tell you with the absolute 100% certainty, Leila did not decline,’ Noble told USA TODAY Sports on Sept. 4. ‘Laila did not reject or say she wasn’t going to fight her. What she said is, ‘I call the shots over here for myself.”

But more than six weeks after Shields and her team said they would pay Ali $15 million if she agreed to fight Shields, Ali has yet to address the offer publicly. Which has created uncertainty about a potential matchup between Shields, the 30-year-old women’s heavyweight champion, and Ali, 47, who retired with a record of 24-0.

‘Laila intends to share something further in the very near future,’ Noble said. ‘That’s all I can say about that.’

While Ali has stayed mum on the subjection, Shields has said plenty.

‘She wanted $15 million,’ Shields told TMZ. ‘I went and got the $15 million and now it’s all this backpedaling. So, you know, congrats to her and all she’s doing, but I’m moving on with my career again.’

Noble clarified that Ali had said she would “think’’ about fighting for $15 million to $20 million. And as far as Shields saying Ali declined to fight, Noble said her remarks to Shields’ representatives may have been misinterpreted.

Noble said the conversation took place after Shields’ and her team produced a video saying they had put $15 million in escrow for Ali – to be collected if she fought Shields, who on social media pushed Ali for a response.

“I said that they fumbled some things, meaning the way that they were handling some things behind the scenes,’’ Noble said. “Basically to say to her representatives, like, come on, you guys gotta chill.’ You know what I mean?”

With her comments to TMZ, Shields put a chill on talk about the potential fight.

“I’m moving on,’’ she said. “I got plenty of girls I can fight.’’

The contracts have been signed, according to a CSI Sports’ flyer promoting the ‘Legend vs. Legend’ fight. An exact date and location have not yet been officially announced, but the buildup for the fight has already begun.

Mayweather enters the fight with an undefeated 50-0 record while Tyson is coming off his in-ring return after nearly 20 years away, which was a loss to Jake Paul on Nov. 24, 2024. Tyson has a 50-7 overall professional record.

Here’s what experts are starting to say about the upcoming fight:

Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather prediction

Josh Peter of USA TODAY Sports writes: ‘If Mike Tyson looks as feeble as he did against Jake Paul, it’s hard to imagine Floyd Mayweather losing this fight. Then again, it’s hard to imagine these guys trying to hurt each other.’ Prediction: split decision.

Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather odds:

While official odds have not yet been released by any sportsbook, USA TODAY Sports’ boxing expert views the fight as Mayweather’s to lose, with odds around -140 Mayweather, +160 Tyson. 

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have agreed to fight. And who agrees it’s a good idea?

It might not be a fight for the ages. But it will be a fight for the aged.

Tyson is 59. Mayweather is 48. And according to a press release announcing the fight, this spring the Hall of Fame boxers will climb into the ring with their combined age of 107 and combined head trauma of, well, is there any way to know for sure?

This is indisputable: Less than a year ago, Tyson looked feeble in the boxing ring in a unanimous decision against Jake Paul. He later said he forget everything that happened after the first round, while the rest of us did not have that same luxury.

In a press release announcing the fight, Mayweather called the fight an “exhibition.’’ He has fought several of them since he retired in 2017 at 50-0. But there’s still the fear of a pillow fight gone awry.

“I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this,’’ Tyson said, according to the press release. “It’s going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it’s signed and it’s happening!”

On his Instagram page, Mayweather wrote, “’I Fear NO Man but GOD! Let’s Get It!!’

Of course, that’s the type of talk that’s going to get people to watch the fight. And maybe crafted simply for marketing purposes. But it’s also cause for concern.

Head trauma is no joke. Particularly for someone like Tyson, who looked out of sorts during his first pro fight in two decades. Paul looked like he let Tyson off the hook.

Since retiring, Mayweather has fought eight exhibition fights, including one against Logan Paul in 2021. He has emerged unscathed, scoring three TKOs and winning all but a DQ against John Gotti III for excessive trash talking.

That’s likely what is about to ensue. Trash talk leading to a pillow fight between two legends.

But what if it’s more than that? What if the legends can’t resist their old impulses? What if heavy punches land, brains wobble and the head trauma sets in.

Is it too late to hit the brakes?

PHILADELPHIA — Nick Sirianni had no reason to lead anybody astray earlier this week when he said the Philadelphia Eagles would not be watching the Super Bowl 59 banner ceremony Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Indeed, the defending champions were not present on the field during the four-minute ceremony. Owner Jeffrey Lurie and former defensive lineman Brandon Graham carried the team’s two Lombardi Trophies onto the field following a stadium lights show as the sold-out crowd, already seated, went wild. The black covering that blocked the banner came down and ‘2024 World Champions’ was displayed for all to see.

Two replica (giant) Lombardis were rolled onto the field for the ceremony and the Eagles’ (many) highlights from that evening played. Graham called Lurie ‘the best owner in sports’ and led the stadium into a spirited rendition of ‘Fly Eagles Fly.’

Eagles superfan and ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ star and creator Rob Mac introduced the Eagles as the defending champs took the field.

Philadelphia throttled the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in the Super Bowl in New Orleans; quarterback Jalen Hurts was named the game’s MVP.

The NBA is investigating allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers facilitated a $28 million ‘no-show’ endorsement deal for Kawhi Leonard to circumvent the salary cap.
If found guilty of violating the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Clippers could face penalties including millions in fines, forfeiture of draft picks, and suspension of team personnel.
The team was previously fined $250,000 in 2015 for offering an unauthorized business opportunity to a player, which could lead to a more severe penalty for a second violation.

NBA training camps are set to open later this month, but the bombshell news around the league centers around the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard.

The league is investigating allegations that the Clippers facilitated a $28 million ‘no-show’ endorsement deal for Leonard with a now-bankrupt sustainability company called Aspiration, allegedly in an effort to circumvent the NBA salary cap.

The Clippers have adamantly denied the allegations.

If the NBA, however, finds the franchise to have violated the provisions against circumvention laid out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the penalties could be massive.

Here’s everything you need to know about the allegations surrounding Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers:

Have the Clippers responded to the allegations?

Yes. The team issued a pair of statements Wednesday, September 3, in response to the matter. The second statement was lengthier and called the notion that Ballmer used Aspiration to funnel money to Leonard “absurd.” The statement also attacked Aspiration for “fraudulent activity,” alleging market manipulation that “defrauded not only Steve but numerous other investors and sports teams” out of their investments.

The team also distanced itself from Leonard’s relationship with Aspiration.

“There is nothing unusual or untoward about team sponsors doing endorsement deals with players on the same team,” the second statement reads. “Neither Steve nor the Clippers organization had any oversight of Kawhi’s independent endorsement agreement with Aspiration. To say otherwise is flat-out wrong.”

The Clippers said they would cooperate with the NBA investigation and added that it would cooperate with law enforcement “in its investigation into Aspiration’s blatantly fraudulent activity.”

What are the allegations Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers are facing?

The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly facilitated a $28 million ‘no-show’ endorsement deal for star Kawhi Leonard with a now-bankrupt sustainability company, allegedly in an effort to circumvent the NBA salary cap.

Sports reporter Pablo Torre of “Pablo Torre Finds Out” hosted an episode of his show that published Wednesday, September 3 in which he outlined the allegations. At the center of it is the now-bankrupt ‘green’ financial services company called Aspiration.

Torre uncovered thousands of pages of legal documents, including a contract signed by Leonard for $28 million over a four-year term to market and endorse Aspiration, which previously received a significant investment from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.

In the contract, a clause states that KL2 Aspire LLC, a company run by Leonard, could “decline to proceed with any action desired by the Company,” which set up a structure for Leonard to potentially receive payments without performing any work. Another clause states that Leonard would receive payments only if he continued to be a player on the Clippers.

Torre also aired an interview with a former high-ranking executive who worked in the finance department with Aspiration who said the arrangement was done “to circumvent the salary cap.”

Aspiration had struck an agreement to be a team sponsor of the Clippers from 2021-23. Aspiration filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, and the company is facing a federal probe for fraud. On Thursday, August 21, co-founder Joseph Sanberg was charged and pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, the Department of Justice said. Per the DOJ, Sanberg defrauded investors of more than $248 million.

Did Kawhi Leonard perform any marketing or endorsement work for Aspiration?

There isn’t much evidence to show that he did. Torre said in his report that he could not uncover any example. When Torre asked the high-ranking former Aspiration exec if they ever saw any proof of Leonard marketing or endorsing Aspiration in any way, the person responded: “Never, not once.”

The only example that came to light on Wednesday was a social media post from Thursday, June 29, 2023, in which the Clippers honored Leonard for his birthday, with a branded message from Aspiration.

“For every comment/retweet, @Aspiration will plant one tree for Kawhi’s birthday!” the message reads.

The post also contained an image that featured Aspiration’s logo at the top.

The post was likely the result of a sponsorship deal the team had struck with Aspiration.

What are potential penalties the Clippers, Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard could face?

If the NBA finds the Clippers guilty of wrongdoing in an attempt to circumvent the salary cap, the penalties could be steep.

According to Article XIII of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the league could “impose a fine of up to” $4.5 million for a first-time violation. A second violation could trigger a $5.5 million fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft pick.

Another section under the same article prohibits unauthorized agreements; a violation of that section could trigger a fine of up to $7.5 million, forfeiture of draft picks, the voiding of player contracts, a fine of up to $350,000 to the player, a prohibition of the player signing an additional contract with the violating team and a one-year suspension of “any Team personnel found to have willfully engaged in such violation.”

The NBA investigation will determine whether any potential discipline would fall under the second section.

It’s worth noting that the Clippers have already been found to have engaged in impropriety with third-party endorsements under Ballmer. Back in August 2015 — a year after Ballmer’s purchase of the team was finalized — the NBA fined Los Angeles $250,000 for “violating NBA rules prohibiting teams from offering players unauthorized business or investment opportunities” in their pursuit of then-free agent center DeAndre Jordan.

A second violation would almost certainly trigger a massive penalty.

What has the NBA said about the matter?

The NBA announced on Wednesday, September 3, that it would open an investigation into the matter, but declined to comment beyond that.

“We are aware of this morning’s media report regarding the LA Clippers and are commencing an investigation,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said Wednesday in a statement emailed to USA TODAY Sports.

Have other NBA figures commented on the matter?

Former Dallas Mavericks majority owner and current minority owner Mark Cuban posted a message on social media, defending Ballmer.

“I’m on Team Ballmer,” Cuban wrote. “First Steve isn’t that dumb. If he did try to feed KL money, knowing what was at stake for him personally, and his team, do you think he would let the company go bankrupt? Knowing all creditors would be visible to the world? They got scammed by Aspiration, along with many others.  Crimes for which they pleaded guilty last week.”

Cuban went on to say that Aspiration used the $300 million sponsorship deal with the Clippers to boost their own valuation, pinning the blame on Aspiration.

“It actually makes perfect sense that if they stole money from investors and want the Clippers to succeed, why not give stolen money to help keep their best player?” Cuban wrote.

NEW YORK – Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is in the 2025 US Open final for the third straight year, getting the best of Jessica Pegula again and beating her 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday.

Sabalenka, the top seed and No. 1-ranked player, will face the winner of the Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova match, who play in the other semifinal. She has been the runner-up at two other Grand Slams this year, losing to Madison Keys at the Australian Open and Coco Gauff in the French Open.

Sabalenka, appearing in her fifth straight US Open semifinal, is seeking to become the first player to win consecutive titles since Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014.

“It was a really tough match. She played incredible tennis, as always,” said Sabalenka. “I had to work really hard to get this win. I’m super happy to get the win against Jess because she’s such a great player, great fighter. They are always tough matches. I’m super happy to be in the final again.”

Sabalenka, who has won at least one set in 105 consecutive Grand Slam matches, used her powerful forehand to stake an early 4-2 lead in the first set, only to let it slip away as Pegula took control, winning the last four games, breaking Sabalenka twice as she took advantage of a sloppy return game and a flurry of unforced errors. Sabalenka finished with 27 unforced errors, but countered that with 43 winners and eight aces.

The second set was a different story, as Pegula, who was attempting to become the first American woman to reach back-to-back US Open finals since Williams in 2018 and 2019, was unable to deal with Sabalenka’s forehand return, and she scored easy points with an effective drop shot.

The frustration started to mount for Pegula, the No. 4 seed, in the third set after she was broken in the first game as she slammed the tennis ball with her racket before the changeover, but turned it around even after Sabalenka again went up two games in the third.

Pegula fought back, but squandered three break point opportunities in the sixth game that could have evened the match, and let go another chance in the eighth game with yet another break point, but could not convert.

The two-hour, five-minute match ended when Sabalenka finally converted her third match point with a forehand winner, leading to thunderous applause from the Ashe crowd.

Sabalenka takes second set

One set to go for a berth in the US Open final as Sabalenka takes the second set 6-3. Unlike the first set, it was Pegula’s errors that allowed Sabalenka to seize control of the match, and now it comes down to this.

Sabalenka taking control in the second set

The world’s No. 1 player is starting to assert herself, and her forehand is doing damage, sending Pegula chasing after it to no avail. Sabalenka took the first three games of the set before Pegula held serve during the fourth game.

Pegula wins first set 6-4

Pegula is a set away from returning to the US Open final. She ended the first set against Sabalenka by winning four straight games, taking advantage of unforced errors by Sabalenka, allowing her to break her serve.

Service games start to betray both players

Both players finally got a break in the sixth and seventh game, with Pegula getting back in the match after Sabalenka double-faulted on her service game, and nearing the end of the first set, it is 4-3 in favor of Sabalenka.

Sabalenka and Pegula even early in the match

Both players have held serve during the early part of the match, and through four games it is 2-2. Sabalenka is trying to establish her forehand and cut down on unforced errors, while Pegula, despite double-faulting twice, is doing her job in returning it most of the time. Good pacing in the early going, as neither player has taken control.

Weather update for Sabalenka vs. Pegula

There is a chance of rain in the forecast tonight in New York, so the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium will be closed. Earlier, winds were gusting up to 30 mph, making conditions difficult for those attending matches at Louis Armstrong Stadium

How to watch Aryna Sabalenka vs. Jessica Pegula

No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka will face off against Jessica Pegula in the US Open women’s semifinal match on Thursday.

Date: Thursday, September 4
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN

Watch the 2025 US Open on Fubo (free trial)

How to watch 2025 US Open: Dates, TV, streaming

Dates: Sunday, Aug. 24-Sunday, Sept. 7
Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (New York)
TV channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes (Spanish language)
Streaming: Fubo (free trial)