Loss That Made Lionel Messi Walk Away From Argentina National Team
Summary
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's national soccer team after a long international career that started in 2005. He made this decision following Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi.Key Facts
- Messi began playing for Argentina's national team in 2005 and is the country's top scorer with 125 goals in 207 games.
- He announced his retirement in a handwritten note on Instagram.
- Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
- Messi cited exhaustion and the death of his father as reasons for retiring from international play.
- Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
- Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father, was his longtime manager and agent, passing away at age 68 after a long illness.
- Jorge played a key role in supporting Messi’s early career, including helping secure treatment for a growth hormone deficiency and facilitating his move to Barcelona.
- Messi’s club career includes 17 seasons at Barcelona, two years at Paris Saint-Germain, and ongoing play at Inter Miami, winning multiple titles and individual awards.
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