Messi Retires from Argentina National Team for Second Time at 39

Football legend announces emotional departure after 2026 World Cup final loss, citing father’s death as confirmation of his decision

Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the national team for the second time in his career, bringing an emotional chapter of his illustrious international career to a close at the age of 39. Messi made the announcement on Monday, August 31, 2026, in a heartfelt statement shared on his official Instagram account, ending nearly two decades of representing La Albiceleste. The 39-year-old forward revealed that he had written the retirement message on July 21, just two days after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. However, he chose to wait before publishing the statement. Messi explained that subsequent events involving his father, Jorge Messi, who tragically passed away on August 8 at the age of 68 following a long illness, made him even more convinced that retiring was the right decision.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi wrote in his statement. “I swear to you that I always gave everything, not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.” Messi’s decision comes after he led Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in 2026. He previously led the Albiceleste to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure the nation’s third world title. During his international career, he also won two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Finalissima.

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The star cited the emergence of a new generation of Argentine players as another factor in his decision. “There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give,” Messi stated. “Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be there.” Messi ends his senior Argentina career with a record of 207 caps and 125 goals, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He also holds the record for the most assists in international soccer history with 65, and the most assists in FIFA World Cup history with 12. He has won six titles while representing the national team: the World Cup in 2022, two Copa Américas, the Finalissima, as well as two youth titles (Olympic Gold Medal in 2008) and the U-20 World Cup in 2005.

In his farewell message, Messi thanked Argentina’s supporters, his family, coaches, teammates, and directors who accompanied him throughout his 20-year international journey. “Thank you for all the affection over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside very much. Now I’m going to be one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through thick and thin, even more so).” He concluded his message with a powerful expression of national pride: “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, along with my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of. It was crazy to experience it all with you. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!” This marks the second time Messi has retired from international football. He previously stepped away from the national team following Argentina’s Copa América defeat to Chile in 2016, where he missed a crucial penalty in the shootout. However, he swiftly returned just six weeks later following a collective effort by fans, teammates, and even national hero Diego Maradona to convince him to reconsider. Messi’s contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season, and his retirement from international football does not, by itself, confirm his retirement from professional club football.

Messi Retires from Argentina National Team for Second Time at 39

Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspires Man United to thrash Ipswich 5-2

Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United came from behind to beat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday, giving Michael Carrick’s side their first Premier League victory of the 2026/27 season.

United needed a response after suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City on the opening weekend. They initially appeared to be heading for another frustrating afternoon when Ipswich took the lead, but Fernandes eventually turned the game around with three goals and an assist.

Carrick made four changes to the team that started against Hull, including handing Marcus Rashford his first United start in more than two years. Kobbie Mainoo also returned to the starting line-up as United looked to produce a stronger performance.

The changes initially did little to prevent Ipswich from causing problems.

United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was called into action early when Julio Enciso broke through following an Ipswich counter-attack from a United corner. Lammens stood up well to deny the forward in a one-on-one situation.

Ipswich eventually made their pressure count in the 29th minute.

Abdul Fatawu accelerated past Luke Shaw before delivering a dangerous cross into the United penalty area. Leif Davis produced an excellent finish, sending the ball high into the net to give the visitors a deserved 1-0 lead.

Davis had an opportunity to double Ipswich’s advantage moments later, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by Lammens.

United gradually began to regain control and found their equaliser before half-time after a costly Ipswich mistake.

Marcelino Núñez stumbled in possession, allowing Matheus Cunha to collect the loose ball and find Fernandes. The United captain showed excellent composure before firing past the Ipswich goalkeeper with his left foot.

The equaliser changed the momentum of the contest, and United returned from the interval with considerably more attacking intent.

The hosts took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through a goal that generated considerable discussion.

Harry Maguire attempted to finish from inside the area and the ball appeared to strike his arm before his effort eventually deflected off Jacob Greaves and into the Ipswich net.

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The goal was checked because of the contact with Maguire’s arm, but it was allowed to stand because the ball did not directly enter the net from the United defender’s arm. Greaves was credited with an own goal.

Ipswich were then punished again when Greaves brought down Matheus Cunha as the United forward charged towards goal.

Fernandes stepped forward and confidently converted the resulting penalty to extend United’s lead to 3-1.

The Portuguese midfielder completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards, reacting quickest to a deflected Mbeumo effort and finishing from close range.

The treble was Fernandes’ second Premier League hat-trick, having previously scored three goals against Leeds United.

It also underlined his importance to United after another outstanding individual campaign last season. Fernandes was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year after helping United finish third in the Premier League and providing 21 assists.

Against Ipswich, however, the captain was the primary match-winner, combining his creativity with ruthless finishing.

Fernandes then added an assist to his three goals.

The midfielder produced an excellent pass over the top of the Ipswich defence for Bryan Mbeumo, who raced onto the ball before lifting his finish over goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to make it 5-1.

Ipswich managed to score a second goal in stoppage time after a defensive error from United.

Julio Enciso intercepted a pass from Lisandro Martínez and played the ball into the path of substitute Chuba Akpom, who calmly tapped into an unguarded net.

The goal reduced the deficit but could not change the outcome, as United comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure all three points.

Despite the emphatic victory, Carrick will be aware that there are still defensive issues to address.

Ipswich created several openings, particularly before United established control, while mistakes in possession gave the visitors opportunities to punish the hosts. Lammens also made important saves that prevented the game from becoming more difficult for United.

However, United’s attacking improvement was clear.

Rashford’s return to the starting line-up provided another attacking option, while Mainoo brought greater energy to midfield. Cunha was also influential in the build-up to several key moments, including the equaliser and the penalty.

Most importantly, Fernandes once again delivered when United needed their captain to take responsibility.

The victory gives Carrick an important early boost after the disappointment of the Hull defeat and demonstrates the attacking potential available to his team.

For Ipswich, the result was a harsh setback after a promising first half in which O’Neil’s side competed strongly and deservedly took the lead.

The visitors were ultimately unable to cope with United’s attacking quality after the break, particularly Fernandes, whose three goals completely changed the contest.

United will now hope the victory can provide the foundation for a more consistent start to the season.

For Fernandes, meanwhile, the message was clear: after an opening-day setback, the United captain responded in the strongest possible fashion.

Three goals, one assist and a 5-2 victory ensured that Manchester United’s Premier League campaign finally got moving in emphatic fashion.

Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspires Man United to thrash Ipswich 5-2