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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Sport
Clarizza Potoy

Why Did Lionel Messi Retire From Argentina? Football Star Cites World Cup Loss And Father's Death

Lionel Messi Jorge Messi World Cup Argentina Football Wikimedia Commons
Lionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina after 21 years, pointing to World Cup final heartbreak and his father Jorge's death as the emotional catalysts (Credit: Bryan Berlin | Wikimedia Commons)

Lionel Messi has retired from the Argentina national team, ending a 21-year senior international career defined by heartbreak, redemption and, ultimately, the World Cup triumph he had long craved.

The 39-year-old announced his decision on Monday, Aug. 31, following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi.

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