Sergio Busquets praised Lionel Messi after the Argentine scored a free kick to open the scoring in Barcelona's 2-0 over Espanyol.

"We know what Leo is about, how important he is to us and what he is capable of. He takes a very good free kick. We have become used to it but he deserves a lot of credit," said Busquets.

Busquets then admitted the difficulties of playing the first game back following an international break. 

"It costs us a lot because there's a lot of traveling. There's almost no time to prepare for this game. Big teams, with big players, usually pass the tests."

Gonzalo Higuain officially announced his retirement from the Argentine national team, hitting out against criticism of his lack of big game goals in the process.

"People remember the goals I missed and not the ones I scored. I'm sure everyone celebrated the goal against Belgium [the winner in the 2014 World Cup quarter-final]. When you criticise someone maliciously it hurts everyone. I saw how much my family suffered, but I gave everything for the national team. It's one thing to say that the national team did not achieve our objectives, but when people talk about failure it's very hard," said Higuain.

Higuain scored 31 goals in 75 total caps for Argentina.

Mauro Icardi returned to Inter for training for the first time in 6 weeks after a contract dispute. There has been no resolution to his contract.

The 26-year-old was stripped of his captain's armband in favor of Samir Handanovic.

Luciano Spalletti has given no indication of when Icardi would return to the lineup. 

Sergio Ramos was rated as UEFA's top player during international matches for his performances last season.

Virgil van Dijk, Haris Seferovic, Andriy Pyatov and Antoine Griezmann rounded out their list.

Ramos received top marks for a low number of fouls and errors, as well as a high number of completed passes and interceptions.

Cardiff will tell FIFA that their transfer for Emiliano Sala was invalid as they refuse to pay Nantes a fee for just under $20 million.

Cardiff's argument is that Sala was not eligible to play in the Premier League at the time of his death.

Sala's initial contract was rejected by the Premier League. Sala died in an airplane accident before an updated contract could approved.

Diego Maradona was highly critical of Argentina's performance during their 3-1 loss to Venezuela.

"I don't watch horror movies. Which idiot thought Argentina was going to defeat Venezuela?" said Maradona.

He went on to praise Tata Martino's work with Mexico.

"I saw Tata's team and it was compact, Tata-style. I had no doubt that if they allow Tata to work he will bring a lot of satisfaction to Mexico."

Jadon Sancho praised the influence of Raheem Sterling on the youth of the England squad.

“His numbers are crazy this year, and he’s showing all the youngsters what it’s about. I’m just happy that I’m sharing a pitch with him," said Sancho.

The 24-year-old Sterling has the second-highest number of cap on the squad, highlighting the side's youth.

Gareth Southgate added that the emphasis on youth reflects wider English culture.

“I think young people in all walks of society have a little bit more belief. I think bosses in all industries are less draconian in the way they work, and I think that helps youngsters to come in and be more creative and believe they can make a difference. They don’t baulk at anything. I just think, generally speaking, given an opportunity, they’ll go and surprise people.”

Antoine Griezmann is the highest earner for a French athlete, according to a recent poll in L'Equipe. The poll took into account salary and endorsement deals.

Griezmann earned over $37 million last season. 

Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, and Karim Benzema rounded out the top 4. 

Serie A officials have opened discussions with the Chinese government about playing a match in the country.

According to one source, there are plans to play a Serie A match in China within the next 3 years.

The proposed agreement would also involve Chinese investment in "products or technical solutions" for Serie A clubs. 

Gareth Bale insisted that he and Ronaldo got along during their time together at Real Madrid.

"Cristiano is an incredible player, I thoroughly enjoyed playing with him. Obviously the media try and hype up these problems which were never there. We got on really well," said Bale.

Bale added that he has no regrets leaving Tottenham despite struggling in Spain.

"I appreciated everything Tottenham had done for me but I think they did understand at the time that when such a big club comes in for you like Real Madrid it is difficult to turn them down. Even though I was enjoying my time at Tottenham, loved the club and I still do, to have Real Madrid come for you, you'll regret saying no."