FINAL CHAPTER: Soccer’s Messi era nears its end after superstar’s international retirement
Lionel Messi recently brought the curtain down on his international career. The first time around, in 2016, he had not won any silverware with Argentina and was vilified by some of his compatriots for not being patriotic enough. On the second occasion of his retirement, he walks away as a highly decorated World Cup winner.
Lionel Messi concluded his international soccer career on Monday, August 31st, after Argentina's loss in the final of the 2026 World Cup. The 39-year-old star player had contributed to 12 of Argentina's 19 goals throughout the tournament, scoring eight times and assisting on four occasions. Messi, affectionately known as "La Pulga Atomica," helped Argentina reach the final, where they fell to Spain.
This retirement marks the end of Messi's long and successful international career, which began in 2005 at the age of 18. Over the years, Messi had won several titles, including the 2021 Copa América, but was often criticized for not performing at his best for Argentina. In 2016, he retired from international play, but returned just a month before the 2022 World Cup final, where he helped Argentina secure the championship by scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
Despite his recent success, Messi expressed deep regret in his farewell message, stating that this retirement was one of the most painful he had experienced. He acknowledged that the decision was the right one for Argentina and for the young players who would now have the chance to represent their country. Messi will continue to play at his US club Inter Miami, where fans will have the opportunity to witness his unparalleled soccer skills and mesmerizing free kicks.
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