ARGENTINA: A little boy from Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi, a standout figure for over 20 years, has retired from international football as he comes close to hanging up his boots in a social media post here on Monday.
Messi leaves Argentina as the team’s most-capped player and the top-scorer for the national side with 207 caps and 125 goals, respectively. He started his international career as early as 2005 and, during this time, he was part of six World Cups, winning the title in the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, two Copa Américas (2021 & 2024), the Finalissima (2022), an Olympic Gold Medal (2008) and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005.
Copa América (2021) presented Argentina with an opportunity to win an international tournament after 28 years. Another major victory came in the World Cup championship in Qatar, led by Messi, who scored seven goals.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, Argentina lost to Spain 1-0 after extra time.
What is the next step for Argentina? Is the Argentine team coming to its biggest challenge ever? TPB
