Lionel Messi announces he is retiring from international football with Argentina, ending a long-running international career. Multiple outlets report the decision comes after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in July, where Messi plays his last match for the national team.

Outlets describe the retirement as a personal and emotional decision. The Athletic and Korea Times cite Messi’s message that the choice “hurts” but he believes it is the right time. The Sydney Morning Herald and ABC Australia also add context about his family, reporting that Messi wrote his retirement letter in July but delayed publishing it because his father, Jorge, was dealing with serious health issues, and died in August. Coverage also notes Messi is 39 and continues playing at club level, including with Inter Miami, whose contract runs until the end of the 2028 season, as reported by Korea Times.