New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, six weeks on from Argentina's defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, which Spain won by a solitary goal in New Jersey on July 19. Messi's retirement comes after his 207 appearances for Argentina and 125 goals - the all-time highest in his country stretching across more than two decades.

During his time with the national team, Messi won two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 and the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar - the pinnacle of his international career. He was also a part of the Argentina sides that finished runners-up in Copa America finals (2015 & 2016) and World Cup finals in 2014 and 2026. Overall, Messi played six World Cups in his c...