Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team, returns to Inter Miami

Lionel Messi Argentina national team Inter Miami MLS playoffs international retirement

Lionel Messi has officially concluded his international career with the Argentina national team following a 3-0 friendly victory against Benin at the Monumental Stadium. During his farewell appearance, Messi recorded one goal and two assists, marking the end of a 21-year tenure that included a World Cup title and two Copa America trophies.

Following his departure from the national side, Messi has returned to Florida to rejoin Inter Miami CF training under coach Kily González. The club is currently preparing for the final stretch of the MLS regular season, holding third place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points. Messi is focused on three primary objectives for the remainder of the 2026 season: winning the MLS Cup, securing the Golden Boot (he currently leads with 21 goals), and becoming the first player in league history to win three MVP awards.

Inter Miami is scheduled to face DC United on Saturday, October 10, as they push to secure a high seed for the upcoming MLS playoffs.

Entities

Argentina national team · CONMEBOL · Cristián González · DC United · Inter Miami CF · Kily Gonzalez · Lionel Messi · Luis Suárez · MLS · Major League Soccer

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] Messi recorded one goal and two assists during his farewell match. makfudbal.mk · diariovictoria.com.ar · udgtv.com · elintransigente.com · khelardesh.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Messi aims to win the MLS Cup, the Golden Boot, and a third MVP award with Inter Miami. mendozatoday.com.ar · www.primerafuente.com.ar · elintransigente.com
[● 6 SOURCES] Following his international retirement, Messi has returned to training with Inter Miami. diariovictoria.com.ar · mendozatoday.com.ar · www.primerafuente.com.ar · elintransigente.com · www.rionegro.com.ar · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Messi leads the MLS scoring race with 21 goals. mendozatoday.com.ar · www.primerafuente.com.ar · elintransigente.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Inter Miami is scheduled to play DC United on Saturday, October 10. diariovictoria.com.ar · mendozatoday.com.ar · www.rionegro.com.ar · elintransigente.com
[● 10 SOURCES] Lionel Messi played his final match for the Argentina national team in a 3-0 friendly victory against Benin. combonoticias.com · makfudbal.mk · diariovictoria.com.ar · mendozatoday.com.ar · www.primerafuente.com.ar · +5 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Inter Miami currently holds third place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points. diariovictoria.com.ar · mendozatoday.com.ar · www.primerafuente.com.ar · udgtv.com · elintransigente.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez challenged Messi to play in the Copa Libertadores. makfudbal.mk