Messi and Otamendi retire from Argentina national team

Lionel Messi has officially retired from the Argentina national football team after 21 years. In his final appearance, the 39-year-old veteran contributed one goal and two assists in a 3–0 victory over Benin. His departure, alongside veteran Nicolás Otamendi, marks the end of a highly successful era that included a World Cup title and two Copa Américas. Manager Lionel Scaloni has named Cristian Romero as the new team captain, with Emiliano Martínez and Lautaro Martínez designated as the next in line.

In Hungarian football, manager Marco Rossi is focusing on long-term development by integrating a younger generation into the national squad. Despite recent discussions regarding luck and performance following a loss to Ukraine, statistical data such as expected goals (xG) suggests the team remains competitive. Rossi has actively introduced several new players to the roster, including Bence Várkonyi and Áron Doktorics, as the team prepares for the 2026 Nations League cycle.