Lionel Messi announces retirement from international soccer at age 39

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on August 31, 2026, ending a career spanning two decades. The decision follows Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and occurs weeks after the death of his father, Jorge. During his final tournament, Messi recorded eight goals and four assists, including an opening goal in a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium. Over the last three years, his international appearances in South Florida served as a focal point for his career's closing chapter. Messi leaves behind a legacy that includes a World Cup title and the breaking of the tournament's long-standing goals record. This retirement marks a formal conclusion to an international run that saw him return after a brief hiatus in 2016 to secure multiple Copa América trophies and a World Cup championship.

• 7:10 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi's final Argentina chapters intertwined with South Florida