One of sports' most storied chapters is officially coming to a close. Lionel Messi announced his international retirement after two decades of representing Argentina, unequivocally leaving the national team as its best-ever player and one of the game's all-time greats. I'm Pardeep Cattry with more on Messi's decision, as well as the latest from around the soccer world.
Monday, Aug. 31🇮🇹 Serie A: Lecce vs. Roma, 12:30 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network🏴 EPL: Aston Villa vs. Arsenal, 3 p.m. ➡️ USA Network🇪🇸 LaLiga: Barcelona vs.
Rayo Vallecano, 3:30 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+🇺🇸 NWSL: Boston Legacy vs. Angel City, 8 p.m. ➡️ CBS Sports Network Tuesday, Sept. 1🏴 Championship: West Ham United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network🇮🇹 Coppa Italia: Torino vs.
Monza, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+ Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's national team on Monday, describing the decision as one that "still hurts deep inside" but comes at the "right moment" after two decades of representing his country. In an eloquent and emotional letter, Messi said he made the decision two days after last month's World Cup final, in which Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win their second title. Messi played all 120 minutes that day in what was ultimately his final match at a World Cup, and exits the national team as one of its most successful players.
His crowning achievement was leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, though he played in three World Cup finals in total and won the Copa America twice. He is also Argentina's all-time appearance and goalscoring leader with 207 caps and 125 goals, essentially acting as the personification of the national team during his spell with La Albiceleste. Messi also wrote that the recent death of his father Jorge, leaves him "even more convinced of this decision than before." The elder Messi, who was the player's longtime agent, died on Aug. 8 at the age of 68 after an illness that prevented him from attending this summer's World Cup in North America.
It is unclear if Messi will play a farewell game for Argentina, though he will continue to play for MLS' Inter Miami and is under contract until 2028. Even without a final game in Argentina's colors, which would undoubtedly be an unrivaled celebratory affair, Messi will call time on his international career as the most beloved figure in the national team's history. He made his first appearance for Argentina in 2005 at the age of 18 and was already poised to be one of the national team's greatest-ever players on talent alone.
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