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Recently, 'Lionel Messi', a player associated with which sport, has retired from international sports?
Hockey
Football
Cricket
Badminton
Football
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football in August 2026 after a two-decade career.
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi officially retired from international duty in August 2026 following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup cycle. His decision followed Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The 39-year-old plans to make one final farewell appearance for the national team in a friendly against Benin on October 6, 2026. This marks the end of an era for a player who secured the 2022 World Cup and multiple Copa America titles.
The FIFA World Cup is the premier international competition for association football, governed by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The tournament has been held every four years since 1930, except during World War II.
Retirement announced: August 2026
Farewell match opponent: Benin
Farewell match date: October 6, 2026
International career duration: 20 years
World Cup titles won: 2022
Copa America titles won: 2021, 2024
B is correct тАФ Lionel Messi, the Argentine football icon, announced his retirement from international football in August 2026.
Associate Messi's retirement with the 2026 World Cup outcome to remember the timing, and note that he remains under contract with his MLS club, Inter Miami, until 2028.