Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing internationally for Argentina
Argentina has replaced a planned Asian tour with a three-match homecoming series scheduled for September 21 to October 6. This shift follows the international retirement of Lionel Messi, who ended his 21-year tenure after a 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain. While Messi has stepped away from national duty, he remains active with Inter Miami. He is expected to play against Atlanta United on September 5, following a 7-1 victory over CF Montreal. Messi is currently under contract with the MLS club through 2028.
What changed
Argentina scrapped its Asian tour in favor of a domestic three-match series this autumn.
Live updates
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Argentina cancels Asia tour following Messi retirement
Argentina has replaced a planned Asian tour with a three-match homecoming series scheduled for September 21 to October 6. This shift follows the international retirement of Lionel Messi, who ended his 21-year tenure after a 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain. While Messi has stepped away from national duty, he remains active with Inter Miami. He is expected to play against Atlanta United on September 5, following a 7-1 victory over CF Montreal. Messi is currently under contract with the MLS club through 2028.
Why it matters
Messi's retirement marks the end of an era for the Argentine national team under manager Lionel Scaloni. The transition occurs as the team pivots its international schedule to honor the former captain on home soil. His club career continues in the United States as he nears the age of 40.
What is confirmed
- Argentina will play a three-match homecoming series from September 21 to October 6.
- Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain 1-0.
- Lionel Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through 2028.
- Inter Miami defeated CF Montreal 7-1 in their previous match.
Still unconfirmed
- Shaka Hislop predicts Messi will honor his Inter Miami contract before becoming an ambassador.
- Lionel Messi is expected to be available for the match against Atlanta United on September 5.
What to watch next
- Official announcement of the three-match homecoming schedule
- Confirmation of Messi's starting lineup for the Inter Miami vs Atlanta United match
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Will Lionel Messi honour Inter Miami contract through 2028? Former MLS star makes future prediction when it comes to Argentine GOAT
- uk.sports.yahoo.com — Asia tour scrapped after Lionel Messi decision! Argentina map out three-match homecoming for next FIFA date
- uk.sports.yahoo.com — ‘Effortless’ – Fans left in awe of clip showing Lionel Messi in Inter Miami training
- www.ibtimes.sg — Will Lionel Messi Play Today? Inter Miami vs Atlanta United Team News, Injury Update and Lineup
- www.timesnownews.com — Lionel Messi, The Weight Of Diego Maradona, And Pressure Of A Magnitude No Sportsperson Ever Faced
- www.tribalfootball.com — Luka Modric commits to Croatia duty for 2026
- uk.sports.yahoo.com — Aaron Rodgers Reveals Plans for Retirement, Including Spending Time With 'Pregnant Wife'
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Argentina Honors Retired Lionel Messi With Nationwide Match Pauses
Argentina is planning nationwide match pauses to honor Lionel Messi following his international retirement. Domestic fixtures will halt during the tenth minute this weekend to celebrate the career of the 39-year-old forward, who ended his 21-year national team run after the 2026 World Cup final. The Argentine Football Association arranged the tribute after Messi announced he had nothing left to give. Meanwhile, supporters are voting on a potential farewell match, and national team manager Lionel Scaloni has reportedly selected a successor for the iconic number ten shirt.
Why it matters
Messi concluded his international career with 125 goals and a 2022 World Cup title, leaving a massive leadership void for the Albiceleste. The nationwide match pauses represent an unprecedented domestic response to the departure of the country's most decorated player. Manager Lionel Scaloni faces decisions regarding squad renewal as the national team transitions past its legendary captain.
What is confirmed
- The Argentine Football Association announced that soccer matches in Argentina will pause in the 10th minute to honor Lionel Messi.
- Lionel Messi confirmed his retirement from international football following the 2026 World Cup.
Still unconfirmed
- Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has identified 21-year-old playmaker Nico Paz to inherit the number ten jersey if the manager signs a contract extension through 2030.
- Fans are voting on where they would want Lionel Messi to play a farewell game for Argentina.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of Lionel Scaloni signing a contract extension through 2030
- Official scheduling or confirmation of a dedicated farewell match for Lionel Messi
- Implementation of the tenth-minute match pauses across domestic fixtures this weekend
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- sports.yahoo.com — Lionel Messi's successor found! Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni reportedly identifies the next No.10 after legend's retirement
- sports.yahoo.com — Soccer matches in Argentina to pause to honour Lionel Messi
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Goodbye to Argentina: Messi gets an INCREDIBLE tribute at every game
- uk.sports.yahoo.com — Paying tribute to the GOAT! Argentina to pause ALL matches for emotional Lionel Messi retirement salute
- uk.sports.yahoo.com — Fans vote on where they’d want Lionel Messi to play a farewell game for Argentina
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Lionel Messi retires from Argentina international soccer
Lionel Messi has retired from international soccer after 21 years representing Argentina. The 39-year-old captain announced the decision on Monday, describing it as a choice that "hurts my soul." Messi ends his national team career with 125 goals and a World Cup title from 2022. His final appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina lost to Spain. Following the announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and various sports organizations issued tributes to the striker.
Why it matters
Messi is one of the most decorated players in soccer history, having competed in six World Cups. His retirement marks the end of a long-term leadership role for the Argentine national squad.
What is confirmed
- Lionel Messi has retired from playing for the Argentina national team.
- Messi scored 125 goals during his 21 years of international service.
- Messi won the World Cup in Qatar 2022.
- Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
- Messi is 39 years old.
Still unconfirmed
- Adidas has put Messi's Argentina soccer jersey on sale for $91.
- Messi's farewell indicates he still remembers past criticism.
What to watch next
- Official statements from the Argentine Football Association regarding a successor captain
- Details on Messi's future with his professional club team
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- ESPN — Messi's emotional Argentina farewell shows he hasn't forgotten criticism of the past
- Yahoo Sports — Lionel Messi has retired and his Argentina soccer jersey is on sale for $91 at Adidas
- CNN — Lionel Messi: The immigrant who never forgot his homeland
- The New York Times — Lionel Messi retires from Argentina international duty: ‘A decision that hurts my soul’ - The Athletic
- NPR — Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing internationally for Argentina
- www.inquirer.com — Lionel Messi announces his retirement from international soccer. This summer served as his final World Cup
- sports.yahoo.com — Warriors share incredible Lionel Messi and Steph Curry crossover after Argentina star’s international retirement
- www.ocregister.com — Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals
- sports.yahoo.com — No more Messi nights for Argentina as skipper says adios to national squad
- www.durangoherald.com — Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals
- www.theguardian.com — ‘In my heart until I die’: Argentina says a tearful thank you to Lionel Messi