ON
← Back to feed
Messi in the national team: a love with ups and downs
Germany⚽ SportsProgressiveOverlooked by conservatives6 hr. ago

Messi in the national team: a love with ups and downs

Lionel Messi has decided to end his international career after playing 207 matches and scoring 125 goals, both national records. The decision comes at age 39 and is described as understandable yet surreal, as Argentina now faces a future without its most iconic player. Over two decades, Messi dominated Argentine football, often being seen as the sole pillar of the team during major tournaments like the World Cup and Copa América. His relationship with Argentine fans has been turbulent, marked by criticism and admiration. While initially criticized for not fully embracing his identity as an Argentine, Messi eventually became a symbol of national pride, leading the team to multiple championships including the 2022 World Cup. Despite his success, the weight of expectations and personal challenges led him to retire from international play.

Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, ending his storied career with the Argentine national team. The decision came just over a month after Argentina’s heartbreaking 0–1 loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, held in East Rutherford, New Jersey. On July 21, the 39-year-old legend posted an emotional message on Instagram, announcing his departure from the national squad. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul,” he wrote, adding that he understood it was the right time to step away. His post, written two days after the World Cup finale, reflected both sorrow and acceptance, marking the culmination of a career spanning more than two decades with the Albiceleste. Messi, who had represented Argentina in 207 matches, scoring 125 goals, a record for the nation, had already achieved legendary status long before this announcement. His farewell message emphasized his lifelong dedication to representing Argentina, stating, “I have always given everything, not just in the last few years, but also before.” He expressed gratitude for the joy he brought to fans and the pride they felt as Argentinians, calling the experience “one of the greatest privileges of my life.” The emotional tone of his statement resonated deeply with supporters, many of whom had followed his journey from a young prodigy to a global icon. The timing of Messi’s retirement coincided with personal tragedy. His father, Jorge Messi, passed away on August 8 at the age of 68, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Messi described the grief as a profound influence on his decision, saying he was “even more convinced” than ever that stepping down was the correct choice. His message concluded with heartfelt thanks to God for making him an Argentine, underscoring the deep cultural and familial ties that shaped his identity. While his international career ends, Messi’s professional journey continues. He remains under contract with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he plays as a forward. His deal runs until the end of the 2028 season, meaning he will be 41 years old when it expires. Despite his advancing age, Messi has shown remarkable form in recent games, including a standout performance against CF Montreal on July 19, where he scored four goals, helping Inter Miami secure a 7–1 victory. This display of skill reaffirmed his ability to perform at the highest level even as he approaches his late 30s. At the 2026 World Cup, Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina’s campaign, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, earning him the second-highest tally among players in the tournament. Although the team fell to Spain in the final, Messi’s contributions were undeniable. His performance mirrored his achievements in the 2014 World Cup, where he also failed to secure victory despite leading Argentina into the final. These experiences underscored the bittersweet nature of his international career, marked by triumphs and heartbreaks alike. Messi’s retirement has sparked discussions about the future of Argentina’s national team. With key figures such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and coach Lionel Scaloni hinting at potential exits, the prospect of further changes looms. Scaloni, who guided Argentina to their 2022 World Cup victory, had previously suggested that Messi’s departure might signal a new era for the squad. While the immediate impact of his exit remains uncertain, his legacy as a national hero is unlikely to fade quickly. As the Albiceleste prepares for upcoming challenges, including qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup, the void left by Messi’s absence will undoubtedly be felt.

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

9 reports

Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ) logoFrankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ)Independent🔒Center6 hr. ago
Messi in the national team: a love with ups and downs

Lionel Messi has decided to end his international career after playing 207 matches and scoring 125 goals, both national records. The decision comes at age 39 and is described as understandable yet surreal, as Argentina now faces a future without its most iconic player. Over two decades, Messi dominated Argentine football, often being seen as the sole pillar of the team during major tournaments like the World Cup and Copa América. His relationship with Argentine fans has been turbulent, marked by criticism and admiration. While initially criticized for not fully embracing his identity as an Argentine, Messi eventually became a symbol of national pride, leading the team to multiple championships including the 2022 World Cup. Despite his success, the weight of expectations and personal challenges led him to retire from international play.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports and does not engage with politically charged topics. It provides a balanced overview of Messi's career, his impact on Argentine football, and the mixed reactions from fans. There is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on political perspectives.

Tagesschau (ARD) logoTagesschau (ARD)State / PublicProgressiveyesterday
After 207 international matches, world champion Lionel Messi ends his international career

Lionel Messi hat seine Karriere in der argentinischen Nationalmannschaft nach 207 Länderspielen und 125 Toren beendet. Die Entscheidung wurde nach dem WM-Finale gegen Spanien (0:1 n.V.) bekanntgegeben, bei dem Argentinien den Titel verpasste. Messi betonte in einem emotionalen Instagram-Post, dass er stets alles gegeben habe und sich für das Trikot verausgabt habe, um die Fans zu beeindrucken. Er erwähnte auch den Tod seines Vaters, Jorge Messi, der am 8. August verstorben war, als zusätzlicher Grund für seinen Rücktritt. Der Rücktritt könnte Auswirkungen auf die argentinische Nationalmannschaft haben, da Torwart Emiliano Martínez und Trainer Scaloni ebenfalls Zweifel an der Zukunft der Mannschaft äußerten. Messi bleibt jedoch bis 2028 bei Inter Miami in der Major League Soccer aktiv.

Bias read (Progressive): Der Artikel betont Messis emotionale Verbindung zur argentinischen Nationalmannschaft und seine Leistungen, was eher auf eine linke oder nationale Perspektive hindeutet. Zwar wird keine politische Partei direkt genannt, doch die Betonung auf nationalen Emotionen und Identität sowie die Reaktionen im

Bild logoBildIndependentCenteryesterday
Lionel Messi resigns from the national team

The article reports that Lionel Messi has announced his withdrawal from the national team. The headline in German reads 'Lionel Messi tritt aus Nationalmannschaft zurück,' which translates to 'Lionel Messi withdraws from the national team.' No additional details or context are provided in the text.

Bias read (Center): The subject is sports-related and does not involve politics, government, or public policy. Therefore, it is considered apolitical and should be rated as center with no meaningful lean.

Die Zeit logoDie ZeitIndependentCenteryesterday
Football: Lionel Messi ends his career in the Argentine national team

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentine national team, nearly a month after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain. The 39-year-old expressed deep emotional pain over the decision but stated he believes it is the right time to step down. Messi emphasized his lifelong dedication to representing Argentina, having played 207 international matches and scoring 125 goals, both records. He will continue playing professionally with Inter Miami in the MLS until 2028. Messi also mentioned that the death of his father reinforced his decision to retire from international football.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on Messi's personal career decision and does not engage with any political issues, policies, or figures. It provides factual information about his retirement from the national team and includes direct quotes from Messi without editorializing or biased framing.

Der Spiegel logoDer SpiegelIndependentCenteryesterday
Lionel Messi ends his international career

Lionel Messi, 39 Jahre alt, hat seine Länderspielkarriere für die argentinische Nationalmannschaft beendet. Die Entscheidung wurde sechs Wochen nach der WM-Finale-Niederlage gegen Spanien bekanntgegeben. Messi gab auf Instagram bekannt, dass er dies bereits zwei Tage nach dem Finale geschrieben hatte. Seine Entscheidung wurde beeinflusst vom Tod seines Vaters und seiner persönlichen Überzeugung. Er spielt insgesamt 207 Mal für Argentinien und erzielte 125 Tore, was ihn zum führenden Spieler des Landes macht. Obwohl er 2014 im WM-Finale gegen Deutschland gescheitert war, gelang es Argentinien 2021, unter seiner Führung die Copa América zu gewinnen, und 2022 den Weltmeistertitel zu holen. Messi bleibt jedoch im Clubspiel aktiv und ist bis 2028 bei Inter Miami unter Vertrag.

Bias read (Center): Der Artikel berichtet über die Karriereentscheidung eines Sportlers und enthält keine politischen oder kontroversen Themen. Es handelt sich um eine Nachricht, die rein sportlich und biografisch orientiert ist, ohne politische Haltung oder Framing.

Der Spiegel logoDer SpiegelIndependentCenteryesterday
Lionel Messi ends his international career and will no longer play for Argentina

Lionel Messi, 39 Jahre alt, hat seinen Rücktritt aus der argentinischen Nationalmannschaft bekanntgegeben. Die Entscheidung wurde sechs Wochen nach der WM-Finale-Niederlage gegen Spanien getroffen. Messi gab an, dass die Entscheidung ihm schwerfiel, aber es sei an der Zeit. Er dankte den argentinischen Fans, seiner Familie und erwähnte, dass er diesen Text bereits zwei Tage nach dem Finale geschrieben hatte. Nach dem Tod seines Vaters war er noch überzeugter von seinem Entschluss. Er spielt weiterhin für Inter Miami, wo er bis 2028 unter Vertrag steht. Messi hat 207 Mal für Argentinien gespielt und ist mit diesem Rekord der erfolgreichste Nationalspieler seines Landes.

Bias read (Center): Der Artikel berichtet neutral über Lionel Messis Entscheidung, aus der argentinischen Nationalmannschaft zu gehen. Es gibt keine politische Framing oder parteiliche Einstellung. Der Fokus liegt auf sportlichen Leistungen und persönlichen Aspekten wie dem Tod des Vaters. Es wird keine politische Mein

Deutsche Welle (English) logoDeutsche Welle (English)State / PublicCenteryesterday
Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, has officially announced his retirement from international football following Argentina's disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup. The 39-year-old, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, finished the 2026 tournament as the second-highest scorer with eight goals, trailing Kylian Mbappé. Messi expressed emotional farewell on social media, stating that while the decision was painful, he believed it was the right time. He emphasized his dedication to the national team and his desire to leave a legacy of pride for Argentina fans. Despite retiring internationally, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he is contracted until 2028.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event and athlete's personal decision without political framing. It presents factual information about Messi's career, achievements, and future plans without taking a partisan stance or promoting any ideological agenda.

Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ) logoFrankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ)Independent🔒Centeryesterday
Farewell to the World Cup final: Messi leaves Argentina's eleven with emotional words

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentine national team following the FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina lost to Spain on penalties. The decision comes after a period of reflection and amid deep personal grief over the recent death of his father. In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Messi expressed his emotional farewell, acknowledging the pain of leaving behind 'dream moments' shared with teammates. His departure marks the end of an era for Argentine football, as he transitions to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028. Despite his emotional state, Messi highlighted his continued passion for the game, having scored four goals in a single match during the tournament.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports-related event, Messi’s retirement from international football, and does not engage with politically charged topics such as government policies, elections, or social issues. The tone is emotionally expressive but neutral in terms of political leaning, as it reports on a

Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ) logoFrankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ)Independent🔒Center2 days ago
MLS gala: Messi leads Miami to record victory with four goals

Lionel Messi scored four goals in a single match for Inter Miami during their 7-1 victory over CF Montreal in the MLS. This was Inter Miami's first win after five consecutive losses and marked a personal milestone for Messi, who now leads the league's goal-scoring chart with 18 goals this season. The win highlights Messi's continued impact despite his age, with two free-kick goals and assists for Luis Suárez. Teammate Casemiro praised Messi for his historic performance. Inter Miami remains in second place in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville SC.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event with no political implications or controversy. It provides factual information about a football match and does not take a stance or frame the event in a biased manner.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories