Lionel Messi retires from international football

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final in July. At 39, he expressed that this decision hurt him but that he understood it was the right time. Messi led Argentina to victory in 2022 against France but lost 1-0 to Spain in 2026. Following the death of his father, he had doubts about continuing his football career.