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Also known as Lionel Messi, 利昂内尔·梅西, 梅西
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A major turning point occurred this period. Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team via social media, following the team's World Cup final loss to Spain. The 39-year-old captain ends his international career with 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 appearances. CONMEBOL and teammate Ángel Di María have paid tribute, marking the end of an era for Argentine football.
Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, citing the right moment after the World Cup final defeat.
He ends his international career 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, underscoring the historic impact of his decision on Argentine football.
Earlier recaps
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Only one new development related to Messi emerged this period, and Messi himself is not the focus of the event. Inter Miami appointed former Argentina national teammate Kily González as head coach, replacing interim Guillermo Hoyos. The club made the change after a five-match winless streak, continuing its trend of hiring Argentine coaches since Messi's arrival.
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Only one new development related to Messi emerged this period, and Messi himself is not the focus of the event. FIFA released referee body-camera footage from the 2026 World Cup final, showing the referee asking Messi to control teammate Paredes, who is under investigation for a post-match assault. The footage also captured Spain's winning goal and U.S. President Trump's interaction during the medal ceremony.
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Only one new development related to Messi emerged this period, and Messi himself is not a direct participant. The Kerala state government in India has launched a multi-departmental investigation into a failed plan by the previous administration to host Messi and the Argentina national team, with allegations of tax fraud and money laundering. The incident has sparked mutual accusations between political parties in India and has been used to criticize the current government's disaster response.
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The previously reported death of Messi's father received multiple public acknowledgments during this period. Inter Miami held a pregame tribute with a minute of silence and black armbands for Jorge Messi, while Messi himself was absent, having traveled to Rosario, Argentina. Teammate Rodrigo De Paul paid tribute by revealing a Messi jersey after scoring, and condolences were also extended by Barcelona and MLS.
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This period marks a significant shift from on-field performance to a personal family matter. Multiple Argentine media outlets reported that Messi's father, Jorge Messi, passed away at age 68 in Rosario after battling pancreatic cancer. As of the end of this period, the Messi family had not officially confirmed the news.
Tracked events
Events matched to this subject by the tracking pipeline, with signal scores.
Kerala government orders probe into failed Messi-Argentina football event under previous regime
The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala, India, is launching a multi-departmental investigation into the previous LDF government's failed 2025 plan to host Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team in Kochi. An internal report alleges service tax fraud, money laundering, abuse of power, and shady offshore transactions, with potential GST evasion of ₹156 crore. The opposition LDF and BJP have traded accusations, with the BJP demanding a CBI probe. The controversy has also been used to criticize the current government's flood response.
Messi Scores Twice, Becomes Leagues Cup All-Time Top Scorer in Inter Miami Win
On August 6, 2024, Lionel Messi scored two goals and provided one assist to lead Inter Miami to a 4-2 victory over St. Louis City SC in the Leagues Cup. With this performance, Messi surpassed Denis Bouanga to become the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 14 goals in 12 matches. He also reached 501 home goals across his career and earned a perfect 10/10 match rating, underscoring his continued dominance in North American football.
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.
Lionel Messi scored four goals and added an assist to lead Inter Miami to a historic 7-1 win over CF Montréal on August 29, 2026, ending a five-game winless streak. The victory marked the club's largest-ever win and first time scoring seven goals in a match. Messi now leads MLS with 18 goals and 10 assists, strengthening his bid for a third consecutive MVP award. The match occurred amid coaching turmoil, with new manager Kily González unable to attend due to work permit issues and interim coach Guillermo Hoyos serving a suspension.
Inter Miami CF has appointed 52-year-old Argentine Cristian "Kily" González as head coach, replacing interim Guillermo Hoyos after a five-match winless streak. González, a former teammate of Lionel Messi on Argentina’s national team, previously coached Rosario Central and Platense. He will take over once work permits are secured. The club, currently second in MLS’s Eastern Conference, continues its trend of Argentine coaches since Messi’s arrival, aiming to reverse recent poor form and defend its titles.
Lionel Messi was fined an undisclosed amount by MLS for violating the league’s policy on hand contact with an opponent’s face/head/neck after lightly slapping Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw. Messi was not suspended. Separately, an independent panel rescinded the red card and one-game suspension for 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, clearing him for Philadelphia’s next match. This is Messi’s second MLS fine.
Inter Miami held a pregame tribute for Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, who died at 68. Before a Leagues Cup match against Monterrey at Nu Stadium, a minute of silence was observed and players wore black armbands. Lionel Messi was absent, traveling to Rosario, Argentina. Rodrigo De Paul captained the team, scored, and revealed a Messi No. 10 jersey in tribute. Despite the emotional start, Miami lost 2-1. Tributes also came from Barcelona and MLS. Messi’s return date is unclear.
Chilean forward Alexis Sánchez, 37, has signed with Major League Soccer club CF Montréal as a designated player on a free transfer. Sánchez, Chile’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals and 168 caps, joins from Sevilla to bolster Montréal’s struggling attack. The club sits 14th in the Eastern Conference with 16 points from 18 matches, seven points off the playoff line. Sánchez’s storied career includes stints at Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Inter Milan, plus two Copa América titles.
FIFA released referee Slavko Vinčić’s body-camera footage from the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium. The video shows Vinčić asking Lionel Messi to control teammate Leandro Paredes, who later faced a FIFA investigation for post-match assault. It also captures Ferran Torres’ winning goal and U.S. President Donald Trump praising Vinčić during the medal ceremony. The technology, developed with Lenovo, was previously tested at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, stated in a Vogue interview that he will "probably" retire when his Al Nassr contract ends in June 2027, calling this his last year of professional football. The Portuguese star, 24 goals shy of 1,000 career goals, plans to focus on family and leisure after a 25-year career. His comments follow Portugal’s 2026 World Cup elimination and similar retirement hints from rival Lionel Messi.
Jorge Messi, father and longtime advisor of football star Lionel Messi, died at age 68 on August 7, 2026, in a Rosario, Argentina clinic after battling pancreatic cancer. Argentine media Infobae and Olé reported the death, but the Messi family had not officially confirmed it as of August 8. Jorge was pivotal in Lionel’s career, from signing with Barcelona on a napkin to managing transfers. His illness had affected Lionel during the 2026 World Cup.
Inter Miami CF has signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro on a free transfer after his Manchester United contract expired. The five-time Champions League winner joins through the 2027 MLS season with an option until 2029, pending visa approval. However, MLS is investigating Inter Miami for possible tampering, as the LA Galaxy held discovery priority rights to negotiate with Casemiro. The clubs reached a settlement for those rights, but terms await the probe’s conclusion. Casemiro joins stars like Messi, Busquets, and Alba as Miami builds a global brand.
FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 19. The 46-year-old, assisted by fellow Slovenians, has officiated high-profile matches including the 2024 Champions League final. Controversy surrounds his selection due to a 2020 arrest in Bosnia during a raid on an adult party involving drugs and prostitution, though he was not charged. Spanish media have also criticized his recent performance.
Benjamin Mendy, a 2018 World Cup winner with France, sold his official replica trophy for $62,200 (€54,000) via Goldin Auctions' 'Global Football Auction Part 2', which closed on July 25, 2026. The trophy has a cracked base and slight wear, and came with a signed certificate of authenticity. Mendy, acquitted of rape charges in 2023, currently plays for Polish club Pogoń Szczecin after reviving his career there.
Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will miss Inter Miami’s next two MLS matches and the 2026 MLS All-Star Game following Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain. The absences are due to a FIFPRO-recommended 21-day rest period, endorsed by FIFA, after their World Cup participation. Inter Miami has excused both players, avoiding a repeat of last year’s suspension. Messi is expected to return in late July or early August.
Adidas shares fell more than 15% in early trading after the German sportswear giant missed second-quarter profit expectations, despite a 14% revenue increase to £5.7bn. The profit miss was attributed to a £180m marketing spend, largely driven by campaigns for the FIFA World Cup hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The high-profile World Cup advert featured celebrities including Timothée Chalamet, Lionel Messi, and Bad Bunny. Adidas maintained its full-year operating profit target of £2bn. The share price drop, reaching 17% to €151.20, challenges CEO Bjørn Gulden’s goal of closing the gap with rival Nike. The company cited growth in running and football sectors, and noted strong kit deals with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Adidas also announced Birgit Kretschmer will replace Harm Ohlmeyer as CFO at year-end.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi, now 39, broke Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring record by netting a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria, bringing his total to 18 goals. Argentina secured top spot in their group, set to face Jordan next. Messi’s birthday on June 24 sparked global tributes from FIFA, teammates, and clubs, highlighting his enduring impact. He previously scored in a friendly against Iceland as preparation, declaring the team’s hunger for victory.
A charity auction organized by Christie's for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund raised $652,630, far exceeding projections. The highlight was a shirt worn by BTS member Jimin during the 2026 World Cup final halftime show, which sold for $110,000 — the same price as a ball used in the final match. BTS items collectively fetched $300,300, accounting for 46% of total revenue. Other notable lots included a signed Lionel Messi Argentina jersey gifted to Shakira ($66,000), Madonna's goalkeeper gloves ($41,800), and Justin Bieber's sneakers ($26,400). Bidders from 24 nations participated in the online auction. Proceeds will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for education and soccer programs in underserved communities across 200 countries. Spain won the World Cup final 1-0 over Argentina on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
According to Inter Miami beat reporter José Armando, Lionel Messi has returned to the club and participated in team training. Messi arrived in Fort Lauderdale around 5 a.m. local time and immediately reported to the training base. His physical condition is reported to have fully recovered to 100%, and he is expected to be available for Inter Miami's first Leagues Cup match against St. Louis City SC. The news was published by Hupu Football on July 29, citing a report from X (formerly Twitter).
After Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over England in Atlanta, players held a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” reigniting the Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute. FIFA is reviewing the incident under its ban on political displays, with UK politicians calling for player bans. The White House defended the act as free speech. Argentina was fined £20,000 for a similar stunt in 2014. The banner reportedly remains with the squad ahead of the final.
According to Spanish newspaper 20 Minutos, Spanish fans have launched multiple online petitions demanding the Princess of Asturias Foundation withdraw, cancel, or reassess the 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award given to Lionel Messi. The petitions, which emerged just over a week after the 2026 World Cup final, cite Messi's protest actions during the match and post-match controversy as violations of sportsmanship and mutual respect. The final, held in the US, Canada, and Mexico, saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 with an extra-time goal by Ferran Torres. After the final whistle, physical altercations broke out between players and staff from both sides, prompting FIFA to initiate disciplinary and ethical investigations. Spanish national team coach De la Fuente condemned the post-match chaos as 'extremely serious and completely intolerable.' The award ceremony was originally scheduled for October 2026.
Major League Soccer (MLS) owners will hear a proposal to overhaul roster and salary cap rules, moving toward a more open spending structure while retaining designated player slots. The changes, part of the “MLS 3.0” evolution, aim to boost competitiveness against European leagues and Liga MX, improve TV ratings, and simplify team-building. The proposal will be presented at the Board of Governors meeting in Charlotte ahead of the All-Star Game. Any reforms are tied to a new collective bargaining agreement with players, as the current CBA expires in January 2028.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal. The match was marred by Argentina's aggressive and unsportsmanlike conduct, including a red card, post-match brawls, and players turning their backs during the trophy ceremony. International media condemned Argentina's "anti-football" tactics, while praising Spain's technical play. Lionel Messi played his final World Cup for Argentina.
Major League Soccer is aiming to capitalize on the momentum of the FIFA World Cup as it hosts the annual MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX in Charlotte on Wednesday night. This marks the fifth meeting in six years between the two leagues, with MLS having won three of the previous four encounters. While the game is billed as an exhibition, coaches and players emphasize a competitive spirit. Notable absences include Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who were excused due to World Cup fatigue and recovery protocols. The match will be held at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC and the NFL's Carolina Panthers. MLS hopes the event, featuring top talents like Son Heung-min and Hany Mukhtar, will attract new fans and showcase the league's growth following the World Cup.
André Narciso has been named the referee for the Portuguese Super Cup final between FC Porto and Torreense, scheduled to take place in Coimbra. The announcement was made by Record Portugal. The article also includes brief updates on other refereeing stories: leaked audios involving Liga Portugal president Pedro Proença, UEFA federations agreeing on refereeing changes to speed up match restarts and reduce delays, and Portuguese referee João Pinheiro downplaying a tense moment with Lionel Messi during the 2026 World Cup, with IFAB clarifying the rule used.
Following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Lionel Messi gifted each of his 25 teammates a personalized backpack, a Stanley thermos, and a mate kit (gourd, yerba mate, metal straw). The gifts, revealed by Marcos Senesi's girlfriend Kelci-Rose Bowers on TikTok, featured national team logos and Messi's brand. The gesture dispelled rumors of squad discord and highlighted Messi's leadership, likely marking his final World Cup appearance.
Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann reported on Radio Mitre that three to four major US law firms are evaluating a class-action lawsuit against FIFA over the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The lawsuit alleges fraudulent conduct, claiming spectators and viewers were misled about the match's fairness. Lawyers are focusing on a pre-match video of Lionel Messi telling his teammates to 'forget everything that happened before,' which they interpret as evidence of external interference or collusion. Feinmann stated the firms are economically motivated, citing 80,000 live spectators, an average ticket price of $8,000, and a low threshold of 5,000 signatures to file. The legal action is in early research stages, and FIFA has not responded.
Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final via a golden goal by Ferran Torres after Enzo Fernandez was sent off. Coach Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears during the post-match press conference, hinting he may leave when his contract expires in December 2024. He cited the emotional toll of rebuilding the team without aging stars like Messi, Otamendi, and Di Maria. Scaloni led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and multiple Copa America wins.
Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral, a 23-year-old Trabzonspor full-back, scored a stunning equalizer against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, which was voted the tournament's best goal on FIFA's website. The goal, a powerful curling strike from the edge of the box, beat 11 other finalists including goals by Mbappé and Messi. Though Cape Verde lost 3-2 in extra time, Cabral's award highlights their historic run and inspires Cape Verdean youth.
At the BDFL International Coaches' Congress in Mainz, Germany, DFB sports director Rudi Völler sharply criticized the playing style of vice world champion Argentina. Speaking on Monday, Völler argued that Argentina should not be held up as a model for defending, calling the praise for their aggressive and unsportsmanlike approach 'hypocritical.' He stated, 'I don't want a team that plays like Argentina. That has nothing to do with football,' drawing applause from the audience of prominent coaches. Völler acknowledged Argentina's success as world and vice world champions but rejected the acclaim for their tactics. Instead, he pointed to Spain and England as better examples of combining solid defense with attractive football. The remarks come as Völler outlined areas for improvement for the German national team, particularly in defense.
At the Palermo Agricultural Exhibition in Argentina, a national team jersey signed by Lionel Messi was auctioned for 23 million Argentine pesos (approximately $20,000 USD). The signature was facilitated by Argentine national team coach Pablo Aimar, who has ties to the organizing Mondino family. The starting bid was 500,000 pesos, but fierce competition drove the price up. Livestock businessman Sergio Amuchástegui from Río Cuarto won the jersey, outbidding a rival from Monte Maíz who dropped out at 22 million pesos. All proceeds will go to the Cabre Rugby Team, an inclusive sports project founded in 2021 that helps young people with disabilities integrate into society through rugby. Project leader Salvador Mosso noted the team has already represented Argentina at the 'Mixed Ability' World Cup in Spain. Amuchástegui stated he will keep the jersey and refused offers from collectors, emphasizing the social responsibility of his industry.
Thousands gathered in Gualeguay, Argentina, to welcome hometown hero Lisandro Martinez after the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina finished as runners-up after a 0-1 loss to Spain. The 28-year-old Manchester United defender gave an emotional speech thanking fans and family, and encouraged young footballers to persevere. He praised Lionel Messi as the greatest in sports history, revealing that Messi is unbeatable even in casual card games like Truco. Martinez also noted the team's patriotic gesture of holding a Malvinas Islands banner after beating England. He is recovering from a muscle injury sustained in the final and will soon report back to Manchester United.