All articles tagged with #argentina national team
Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career with a 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires, scoring a goal and providing two assists. The event marked the end of an era for Argentine football, though Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami until at least 2028. The farewell was contrasted with Cristiano Ronaldo's ongoing dispute with the Portuguese federation.
Lionel Messi officially ended his 21-year international career with a 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires, scoring his 126th goal for Argentina. The event, billed as 'The Last Tango,' featured a massive crowd, a drone show, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires. Messi confirmed his retirement from national duty following the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain, though he remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028.
Lionel Messi officially retired from international soccer on October 6, 2026, after a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old scored a penalty and provided two assists in his 208th cap, capping a 21-year career that included a 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América wins. The event, billed as 'the last tango,' drew over 85,000 fans to a sold-out stadium, marking the end of an era for the Argentine national team.
Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career on October 6, 2026, scoring a penalty and providing two assists in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match, billed as 'The Last Tango,' marked his 208th cap and featured a massive crowd of over 85,000 fans. Despite a lackluster performance by the Argentine side, the event served as a national farewell, with Messi addressing the crowd and confirming his retirement from national duty while continuing his club career with Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi played his final match for the Argentina national team on October 6, 2026, in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The event, billed as 'The Last Tango,' marked the end of a 20-year international career and his 208th cap. While the match was streamed via ViX Premium in the U.S., Messi’s professional journey continues with Inter Miami, and he has expanded his business empire through club ownership in Spain and Uruguay.
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football at age 39, ending a 21-year career with 207 caps and 125 goals for Argentina. The decision, announced via a handwritten letter on Instagram, follows the death of his father and a 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain. While he remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, his departure leaves a void in Argentine football and raises questions about the future of the national team and its coach, Lionel Scaloni.
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football at age 39, concluding a 21-year career with the Argentina national team. The decision, announced on Monday, follows the recent passing of his father, Jorge, and marks the end of a record-setting tenure that includes 207 appearances and 125 goals. Although Messi described the choice as emotionally painful, he stated that the time had come to step away from the national jersey. He will continue his professional career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer for at least two more years. The retirement closes a chapter that included winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles, as well as finishing as runner-up in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. Tributes from peers, officials, and family have highlighted his status as a global icon and a pivotal figure in modern football history.
France reclaims the No. 1 spot in FIFA's world rankings as the 2026 World Cup reaches the Round of 16, overtaking Argentina which falls to No. 2; Spain is No. 3, England No. 4, Brazil No. 5, Morocco No. 6, Portugal No. 7, Belgium No. 9, Mexico No. 10, Colombia No. 11, Switzerland No. 15, the United States No. 16, Norway No. 21, Egypt No. 24, Canada No. 30 and Paraguay No. 34. Notably, the Netherlands were the only top-10 team not to advance to the knockout stage.
Argentina will close its World Cup warmups with two U.S. games: June 6 vs Honduras at Kyle Field in College Station and June 9 vs Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn—the latter marking the first international match at Auburn’s venue. Tickets go on sale April 15. Messi’s U.S. presence continues to draw huge crowds as Argentina heads into World Cup Group J (Algeria, Austria, Jordan) after a buildup featuring non-participating opponents in the Road to 26 series.
Franco Mastantuono will miss Argentina's matches due to a muscle strain and will return to Madrid for recovery, raising concerns for Real Madrid but allowing him rest before their next game against Getafe.
Pedro de la Vega, who was named Player of the Tournament at Leagues Cup, was reportedly 'blackballed' from the Argentina national team by Leo Messi, possibly due to his aggressive playing style that challenged Messi during the final.