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Messi Announces Retirement From International Football, Cites Loss

9/2/2026

32 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday.
Messi said his father Jorge Messi’s death on Aug. 8 in Rosario influenced his decision.
He posted a handwritten Instagram note on July 21, two days after the World Cup final.
AFA president Claudio Tapia called Messi the “captain of our dreams” on Instagram.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Messi’s extraordinary career and lasting impact on football.

History

Historical Context

In 2006, after France lost the World Cup final 5-3 on penalties, Zinedine Zidane retired with 108 caps, a record noted by the French Football Federation. In 2024, Lionel Messi announced his retirement, months after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup win. Their departures force the FFF and Argentina’s AFA to rebuild talent pipelines and reshape national identity.

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Story summary

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday.
Messi said his father Jorge Messi’s death on Aug. 8 in Rosario influenced his decision.
He posted a handwritten Instagram note on July 21, two days after the World Cup final.
AFA president Claudio Tapia called Messi the “captain of our dreams” on Instagram.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Messi’s extraordinary career and lasting impact on football.

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