Lionel Messi retires from international football

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after leading Argentina to its second consecutive World Cup final in July, where they lost 1-0 to Spain. The 39-year-old expressed on Instagram that the decision was painful but felt necessary. Following the death of his father, Messi had expressed doubts about his future in football. He remains under contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season.

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