Argentina legend Lionel Messi marked the end of his international career with a playful jersey inscription for goalkeeper Juan Musso following his farewell fixture. The retired captain poked fun at their competitive training sessions together, leaving his long-time colleague with an unforgettable souvenir from an emotional night in Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi has resumed first-team training with Inter Miami after bidding an emotional farewell to the Argentina national team in Buenos Aires. The veteran forward is now fully focused on steering the Florida club through the final weeks of the regular Major League Soccer campaign ahead of their anticipated postseason championship push.
Lionel Messiâs historic international career reached a tearful conclusion at the Estadio Monumental, but the night ended with a moment that left both the player and fans completely baffled. While the legendary forward bid farewell to the Albiceleste faithful, a bizarre interaction with the match official provided a surreal final twist to his legendary story.
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has detailed his pitchside exchange with Lionel Messi during Argentina's 3-0 win against Benin. The 20-year-old was an unused substitute on the night, admitting he was starstruck by being part of the squad and revealing he made sure to embrace the veteran to thank him for his service during his final international bow.
The footballing world stood still as Lionel Messi bid an emotional farewell to international football at the Estadio Monumental, but the conversation has already shifted to his next move. While the legendary playmaker remains tied to Inter Miami, the dream of a homecoming to his boyhood club is being kept alive by one of South America's most powerful figures.
The Benin football federation has reportedly been left furious over their treatment following Lionel Messi's international farewell in Buenos Aires. Discontent has surfaced after claims emerged that the visiting African delegation were blocked from swapping shirts, taking photographs, or receiving financial incentives despite featuring in the high-profile exhibition.
Lionel Messi has received formal recognition from River Plate following his final international appearance on domestic soil against Benin. The Argentine heavyweights marked the historic occasion by presenting the iconic playmaker with club honours inside the Estadio Monumental, celebrating his enduring bond with the nation's premier football cathedral.
Cristiano Ronaldo has put years of sporting rivalry aside to pay a touching tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentineâs final appearance for his national team. The Portuguese superstar took to social media to celebrate his long-time contemporary, acknowledging the indelible mark Messi has left on the international stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been locked in a career-long rivalry, with GOAT status up for grabs, but do they keep an eye on what the other is doing? CR7âs former Manchester United team-mate Anderson has told GOAL that two global superstars do âcareâ about the record-shattering numbers that continue to be posted on opposing sides of a fierce divide.
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has opened up about the immense difficulty of competing against Lionel Messi throughout their storied careers in Spain and on the international stage. Following the former Barcelona captain's decision to retire from international duty with Argentina, the current AC Milan midfielder offered a heartfelt tribute to his long-time rival.
Ronaldinho has shared a poignant tribute to his former Barcelona protege Lionel Messi following the legendary forward's emotional decision to retire from international football. The Brazilian icon, who acted as a mentor to the young Argentine during his early years at Camp Nou, reflected on their unique bond and the incredible legacy Messi leaves behind with the Albiceleste.
Former MLS star Shaka Hislop has explained to GOAL why an âMSNâ reunion for Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami may not be beneficial to the North American game as a whole. There have been plenty of rumours to suggest that a Brazilian superstar could link up with a couple of former Barcelona team-mates in South Florida when becoming a free agent.
Lionel Messi has officially called time on his legendary international career, bidding a tearful goodbye to the Argentina national team at the Estadio Monumental. The Inter Miami superstar used his final moments on the pitch to address the stinging criticism and conspiracy theories that followed the Albicelesteâs World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain.
Former Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin believes Lionel Messi deserves to collect the 2026 Ballon d'Or following his heroic exploits for club and country. The Russian icon feels handing the Inter Miami talisman another golden ball would offer a poetic conclusion to his career at the highest level, citing his talismanic run to the World Cup final.
Lionel Messi is preparing to bring an extraordinary 21-year international career to an emotional close when Argentina host Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night. The 39-year-old icon completed his final training session at Ezeiza, taking time to reflect on his impending farewell as Lionel Scaloni's men gear up for an unforgettable occasion at Estadio Monumental.
Ex-Brazil international Anderson has told GOAL why the likes of Vinicius Junior may have earned âsuperstarâ status prematurely, with any player that has âfive good gamesâ suddenly worth â200 millionâ in modern football. The former Manchester United midfielder continues to use Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the blueprint for what success really looks like.
Lionel Messi has linked up with the Argentina national squad at Ezeiza ahead of Tuesday's monumental farewell friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is preparing to pull on the Albiceleste shirt for the final time, bringing the curtain down on an unmatched 21-year international career on his own terms.
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