Messi Retires Argentina

Lionel Messi has graced a soccer field with Argentina for the last time. Messi has announced his retirement from the international game to bring an end to 21 years of service for his country that established him as arguably the greatest player of all time. This is a by-the-numbers look at his time at the Albiceleste that includes one World Cup title, 21 World Cup goals, 125 Argentina goals and 207 appearances for Argentina.

Soccer teams across Argentina will pay tribute to Lionel Messi with a mid-game minute of applause during their next match following his decision to retire from international duty. Argentina's soccer federation says referees will pause play at the 10-minute mark of every match in the upcoming round of the Clausura tournament as well as in other men’s and women’s leagues in appreciation of Messi’s career with the national team. The 39-year-old Messi wore the No. 10 jersey for Argentina. He announced on Monday he will no longer play for the national team after 21 years of service. Messi has never played professionally in his home country.

Lionel Messi might have one last dance with Argentina after all. Despite announcing his international retirement, the 39-year-old Inter Miami star was included Tuesday in Lionel Scaloni’s 28-man Argentina squad ahead of three home friendlies. Messi has yet to confirm whether he will join the team. But the head of Argentina soccer says the icon accepted the invitation for the Oct. 6 game against Benin in Buenos Aires for what will be a grand finale. Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and helped the Albiceleste reach the final at the 2026 edition.