Messi retires from international football
Image: BBC News
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Coverage
Wires & papers of record
- Argentina great Lionel Messi announces his retirement from international football, saying it was a decision that "hurt" but he understands "the time has come".
- He said he wrote his retirement letter after the World Cup final in July, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life.
- Lionel Messi’s retirement from the national soccer team, though widely expected, sparked fears of a diminished squad, and heartbreak over the departure of a national icon.
Coverage
- The Argentine legend announced that he will not play for the national team again, ending an illustrious international career.
- The Argentine legend announced that he will not play for the national team again, ending an illustrious international career.
- Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, but his side lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 final.
- Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi announces his retirement