Lionel Messi retires from the Argentina national team

Lionel Messi has officially concluded his international career with Argentina. Following his retirement announcement on August 31, Messi was honored by fans at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6.

During his final appearance, a match against Benin that Argentina won 3–0, Messi contributed one goal and two assists. The event marked the end of a journey that saw Messi transition from a figure of criticism following domestic losses in 2007, 2015, and 2016 to a national hero after securing the 2021 Copa América title and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

His international career, which began in Budapest in 2005, was defined by a period of significant struggle and a brief retirement in 2016 before finding renewed success under the management of Lionel Scaloni.