FIFA Honors Lionel Messi After International Retirement

FIFA acknowledged Lionel Messi's retirement from international football after more than 20 years representing Argentina. The announcement, made by the 39-year-old superstar on Instagram, came shortly after the death of his father, Jorge Messi.

Messi retires as Argentina's most-capped player with 207 appearances and the all-time leading scorer with 125 goals. His World Cup journey included 21 goals in 34 matches, with notable achievements such as being the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament and holding the record for the most victories by an individual player.

Messi's international career included a heartbreaking loss to Germany in the 2014 final and a triumphant victory at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. He also led Argentina to two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

Despite retiring from international duty, Messi continues his club career with Inter Miami, signed until 2028, having scored 921 goals across his club career.