Messi retires from international football as Argentina pays emotional tribute

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, ending a 20-year career and prompting tributes from teammates and fans across the country.

• Messi announced his retirement in an Instagram post, saying "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply."
• The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
• Messi won the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024; his final tournament, the 2026 World Cup, ended in a defeat to Spain in the final.
• Teammates paid tribute, with Giovani Lo Celso saying he had "nine years listening to you, admiring you and learning by your side."