Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina National Team

Lionel Messi, 39, announced Monday that he is retiring from international football, closing out a historic Argentina career with a record 207 appearances and 125 goals, according to reports. His final match came in Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi's international honors include the 2022 World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. He said he wrote his retirement letter on July 21, just two days after the final, and that the Aug. 8 death of his father, Jorge, made him even more certain of the decision. Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami, reports say.