Messi announces retirement from Argentina national team after World Cup final loss
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team via Instagram on August 31, citing the decision as the right time after the World Cup final loss to Spain. The 39-year-old captain leaves with 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 appearances, having won the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles, and an Olympic gold. CONMEBOL and teammate Ángel Di María paid tribute, marking the end of an era for Argentine football.