Lionel Messi retires, celebrated for historic Argentine titles

Lionel Messi retires, celebrated for historic Argentine titles

Sports

ESPN reported on September 2 that Lionel Messi's perseverance helped Argentina secure the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and subsequent regional trophies. Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, ending a 21-year international career that produced 125 goals, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Former teammates and football figures, including Sir David Beckham and José Mourinho, praised his achievements, BBC said.

Actors

Lionel Messi Argentina national football team Inter Miami

Locations

Argentina Miami, United States

Articles

September 02, 2026
1 total
Messi's perseverance leads Argentina to historic titles
Messi's perseverance leads Argentina to historic titles

ESPN • 02 Sep 17:47

Lionel Messi overcame early setbacks with the Argentina national team, helping the side win the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and subsequent regional trophies.

Credibility 68% Manip. 27% Center
September 01, 2026
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Beckham and Mourinho praise Messi after his international retirement
Beckham and Mourinho praise Messi after his international retirement

BBC • 01 Sep 12:01

Sir David Beckham and Jose Mourinho expressed admiration for Lionel Messi following the Argentine forward's retirement from international football, highlighting his achievements with Argentina.

Credibility 72% Manip. 12% Center
Lionel Messi retires from international football, receives tributes from peers and officials
Lionel Messi retires from international football, receives tributes from peers and officials

ESPN • 01 Sep 10:03

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's national team after a 207-cap, 125-goal career that included a 2022 World Cup win, prompting messages of admiration from former teammates and football figures.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina's National Team
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina's National Team

AP News • 01 Sep 00:25

Argentina's all-time leading scorer Lionel Messi said he will quit international football after 21 years, while continuing his club career with Inter Miami.

Credibility 78% Manip. 10% Center
August 31, 2026
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Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina National Team
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina National Team

The New York Times • 31 Aug 19:38

Argentina captain Lionel Messi confirmed his retirement from international football, citing personal considerations after the World Cup final loss to Spain.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina's National Team
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina's National Team

SFGATE • 31 Aug 19:06

Argentina's all-time leading scorer Lionel Messi said he will quit international football after a 21-year career that included a 2022 World Cup win and 125 goals.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina National Team After 21 Years
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina National Team After 21 Years

ABC7 Los Angeles • 31 Aug 19:04

Argentina's all-time leading scorer Lionel Messi, 39, said he will quit international football, ending a 21-year career that included a 2022 World Cup win and 125 goals.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
Lionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina, remains with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina, remains with Inter Miami

NPR • 31 Aug 16:37

Argentina's all-time leading scorer Lionel Messi said he will step away from international football after 21 years, while confirming he will keep playing for MLS club Inter Miami.

Credibility 78% Manip. 7% Center

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