Argentine midfielder for Inter Miami, national team star
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has returned to the field after his father Jorge’s funeral as he contemplates retirement. His father, who served as his agent, has died aged 68. Messi has expressed uncertainty about continuing to play, while teammates and opponents offer support as Miami exits the Leagues Cup group stage.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in a handwritten Instagram statement published on 31 August 2026. The 39-year-old has said he has "nothing left to give" after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and to the 2026 final. Tributes and plans for a farewell match are under way; Argentina will meet friendly opponents in September.
Messi has announced his retirement from international duty and will be honoured in a farewell match on 6 October in Buenos Aires. Argentina will host Benin, Burkina Faso and Bolivia in a FIFA window with reductions in capacity due to sanctions. Several players face suspensions from the World Cup final. The event marks Argentina’s return home after the tournament and signals changes ahead for the national team.
Argentina faces an uncertain future after Lionel Messi confirms international retirement. The 2026 World Cup icon has dominated the national team for 21 years, prompting questions about leadership, strategy, and the post-Messi era as the federation maps out its next steps.
Messi has bid farewell to international soccer after 21 years and 208 caps, finishing with 126 goals and a World Cup title. A national farewell turned into a celebration as fans fill Buenos Aires and former teammates honor the legend.