Argentina's Messi ends international career
Lionel Messi has officially ended his international career, stating he has "nothing left to give". Argentina is honoring the 39-year-old with nationwide 10th-minute stoppages during domestic soccer matches this weekend. Fans have already begun chanting his name at stadiums during these tributes. To celebrate his career, which included a 2022 World Cup victory and reaching the final this year, trading card company Topps released a 1-of-1 commemorative card. Supporters are now voting on a location for a potential farewell game.
What changed
Messi confirmed his retirement in a statement and Topps released a celebratory 1-of-1 trading card.
Live updates
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Lionel Messi retires from international football
Lionel Messi has officially ended his international career, stating he has "nothing left to give". Argentina is honoring the 39-year-old with nationwide 10th-minute stoppages during domestic soccer matches this weekend. Fans have already begun chanting his name at stadiums during these tributes. To celebrate his career, which included a 2022 World Cup victory and reaching the final this year, trading card company Topps released a 1-of-1 commemorative card. Supporters are now voting on a location for a potential farewell game.
Why it matters
Messi's retirement concludes a career defined by global success and a long-standing debate over his status as the greatest player of all time. While the Argentine Football Association wants to retire his No. 10 shirt, FIFA rules prohibit this in official competitions.
What is confirmed
- Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football.
- Argentina is pausing domestic soccer matches in the 10th minute this weekend to honor Messi.
- Topps released a 1-of-1 trading card to celebrate Messi's international career.
- Messi won the 2022 World Cup and reached the final this year.
Still unconfirmed
- Fans are voting on where they would like Messi to play a farewell game for Argentina.
- Juan Bernat described Messi as one of a kind in history.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of a farewell game location
- FIFA's final ruling on the retirement of the No. 10 jersey
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- sports.yahoo.com — Fans vote on where they’d want Lionel Messi to play a farewell game for Argentina
- sports.yahoo.com — ‘Stunning’ – Fans react as Topps release 1-of-1 Lionel Messi card after international retirement
- www.upi.com — Argentina to honor Lionel Messi with nationwide soccer stoppages
- sports.yahoo.com — Chasing the League: Messi retires, English women’s season begins
- in.mashable.com — Messi Chant Erupts At Argentina Stadium As Fans Pay Tribute To Football Legend Mid-Match
- www.hitc.com — ‘Stunning’ – Fans react as Topps release 1-of-1 Lionel Messi card after international retirement
- www.givemesport.com — Son Heung-min Gives Honest Verdict on Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT Debate
- www.marca.com — Inside the GOAT’s laboratory: An unfiltered look at what training with Messi every day actually feels like
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Argentina to honor Messi with nationwide mid-game applause
Argentina will pause all domestic soccer matches in the 10th minute this weekend for a minute of applause to honor 39-year-old Lionel Messi following his international retirement. Messi has since asserted that the debate over the greatest of all time is settled via a Michelob Ultra advertisement featuring a receipt of his achievements. While the Argentine Football Association has expressed interest in retiring his iconic No. 10 shirt, FIFA tournament regulations prevent the permanent retirement of the jersey in official competitions.
Why it matters
Messi retires with 125 goals and a World Cup title after two decades of play. His departure marks the end of a long-standing era for the national team. The transition now focuses on how the sport manages his legacy and the vacancy of his jersey.
What is confirmed
- Argentina will pause domestic matches in the 10th minute this weekend for a minute of applause to honor Lionel Messi.
- Lionel Messi is 39 years old.
Still unconfirmed
- Cristiano Ronaldo's gym post and lack of a direct farewell message to Messi have sparked fan debates.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the AFA's final decision on the No. 10 shirt
- Official reactions from other international football federations to the retirement
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.outlookindia.com — GOAT Debate 'Settled'? Lionel Messi Claims Bragging Rights In Receipt-Style Instagram Post After Retirement
- news.abplive.com — Argentina Announces Special Messi Honour After Legendary Star's International Retirement
- sports.yahoo.com — End of an era! Edin Dzeko announces international retirement as Bosnia & Herzegovina legend prepares for emotional farewell
- apnews.com — Messi to get mid-game tribute by soccer teams across Argentina after international retirement
- www.101greatgoals.com — Argentina to pause league matches following Messi international retirement
- www.ibtimes.com.au — Cristiano Ronaldo Posts 'Keep Pushing' After Messi Quits Argentina, Offers No Direct Farewell Message
- www.naijanews.com — Argentine League To Honour Messi With 10th-Minute Applause
- www.yardbarker.com — Why Argentina Cannot Retire Lionel Messi’s Iconic No 10 Shirt Despite AFA Plans?
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Lionel Messi ends international career with Argentina
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina. He ends his career with a World Cup title and 125 goals. Messi's decision has sparked heartbreak across Argentina, with fans and the sports community reacting to the news. His international career spanned two decades.
Why it matters
Messi's retirement comes after Argentina's World Cup final defeat. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His legacy and impact on Argentine football will be remembered for years to come.
What is confirmed
- Lionel Messi has ended his international career with Argentina.
- He won a World Cup title with Argentina.
- Messi scored 125 goals in his international career.
- His international career with Argentina spanned two decades.
What to watch next
- Reactions from Argentine fans and the soccer community.
- Tributes and celebrations for Messi's career.
- Argentina's future soccer plans without Messi.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- CNN — Lionel Messi: The immigrant who never forgot his homeland
- The New York Times — Lionel Messi’s Retirement From Soccer Sparks Heartbreak Across Argentina
- Reuters — Argentina's Messi ends international career
- ESPN — Argentina legend Lionel Messi announces international retirement
- AP News — Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals
- sports.yahoo.com — Warriors share incredible Lionel Messi and Steph Curry crossover after Argentina star’s international retirement
- www.cbssports.com — 'Beautiful but difficult journey': The moments that defined Lionel Messi's Argentina career
- www.aljazeera.com — Lionel Messi retires: What records and titles does Argentina legend hold?
- markets.businessinsider.com — LBank Bets on Argentina’s Next Chapter as Messi Steps Away From International Football