Daily News 19

Tag: Messi retirement

  • David Beckham’s Emotional Reaction to Lionel Messi’s Farewell from Argentina’s National Team

    David Beckham’s Emotional Reaction to Lionel Messi’s Farewell from Argentina’s National Team

    Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine forward announced his retirement from the Argentina national team for official matches.

    Beckham, a former England international and a personal friend of Messi, shared his message on Instagram, where he has more than 88 million followers.

    “This is the moment to look back and realize how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young boy with a dream… Leo, you have been a source of pride for yourself, your family, your friends, and your country. You led by example and became an inspiration to millions of children, not only in Argentina but throughout the world. Leo, you gave your country the greatest gift, and for that your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on everything you achieved with Argentina.”

    Lionel Messi announces Argentina retirement

    Messi announced his decision on Monday, August 31, sharing a statement he had written by hand two days after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.

    “After all this time since the final and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell you all that I am retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt me and still hurts me deeply, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear that I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but also before. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” Messi said.

    “No much time remains and different stages are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me tremendously. I love, loved, and will always love having been part of the national team. I gave everything and I have nothing left to give. Also, there are great young players coming up who deserve to be here. Thanks to my family for always being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more convinced of this decision,” he said.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Cristiano Ronaldo’s Cryptic Post Following Lionel Messi’s Retirement From Argentina

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Cryptic Post Following Lionel Messi’s Retirement From Argentina

    The soccer world experienced a historic moment after Lionel Messi confirmed the end of his era with the Argentina national team. After more than two decades wearing the national jersey, Messi leaves behind a golden period defined by his World Cup triumph and his lasting impact on international soccer.

    Tributes quickly spread across digital platforms, with teammates, coaches and athletes from different sports sharing heartfelt messages for the Rosario-born star. Yet much of the media and fan attention centered on one person in particular: Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s great generational rival.

    Rather than joining the wave of direct messages and emotional statements about Messi’s departure, the Portuguese forward adopted a notably restrained approach focused on his daily work.

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s training post sparks debate

    According to the specialized outlet Bolavip, Cristiano Ronaldo’s first public statement after the news emerged came through his official channels from Saudi Arabia. The Al-Nassr forward posted a photograph of himself training in the club’s gym alongside the phrase in English: “Keep pushing” (“Sigue empujando”).

    The brief post was interpreted by analysts and fans as an indirect message about Ronaldo’s competitive mindset. While Messi is closing the international chapter of his career and entering its final years, the Portuguese star continues to signal his desire to compete at the highest level, without indicating plans to retire from the Portugal national team soon.

    International media outlets and platforms such as N+ have also highlighted Ronaldo’s continued global influence. Neither major multimillion-dollar transfers nor the emergence of young prospects in leading leagues has diminished the Portuguese star’s media presence, which remains one of the most powerful forces in modern sport.

    Portugal faces a generational-change dilemma

    Ronaldo’s continued involvement with the Portugal national team has revived an ongoing debate within the “Seleção”. Argentina is beginning a planned transition following the departure of its greatest icon, while Portugal must consider whether to continue building around its veteran forward or definitively make room for a new generation of players.

    The contrasting paths of Messi and Ronaldo reflect the different ways the two biggest football legends of the 21st century are approaching the final stage of their careers. Messi is stepping aside to prioritize renewal within Argentina’s national team, while Ronaldo remains focused on Portugal’s upcoming international commitments in Europe.

  • The Future of Messi: Miami Contract Through 2028, One Last Ballon d’Or and Life Beyond Football?

    The Future of Messi: Miami Contract Through 2028, One Last Ballon d’Or and Life Beyond Football?

    Leo Messi remains at the top of his game despite stepping away from Argentina’s national team. He scored four goals for Inter Miami on Sunday and is currently Major League Soccer’s leading scorer with 18 goals.

    The performance underlined that Messi is still fully active on the football pitch. The bigger question concerns his state of mind and desire to continue—factors that will ultimately determine when he says “enough”, particularly following the loss of his father, Jorge.

    Messi’s Inter Miami contract runs through 2028

    Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028. In his case, however, the agreement is only a formal detail. He is expected to retire whenever he chooses, and the club would accept that decision while offering him a role in its ownership and wider structure if he wants to remain connected to Inter Miami.

    Sportingly, Messi still has major objectives ahead as he looks to add to his record haul of 48 trophies, excluding individual awards. Inter Miami are the defending MLS champions, and Messi is currently competing for the 2026 MLS title.

    He could also be in contention for a ninth Ballon d’Or, with the award scheduled for October. That same month, Messi is due to receive the Prince of Asturias Award in Oviedo.

    Potential challenges for Messi in 2027 and 2028

    If Messi’s body and motivation continue to support his career, he could face several more challenges in 2027. These include the shortened MLS season running through June, as United States soccer moves toward the European football calendar, followed by the 2027-28 MLS campaign.

    Inter Miami could also compete in the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup, a prestigious and previously unattained title that would carry particular importance for the club. The objectives remain in place if Messi decides he wants to continue playing.

    Messi’s business interests and football legacy

    Messi will turn 40 on June 24, 2027. Beyond football, he has a long life ahead with his family and a wide-ranging business portfolio. He represents numerous brands and has interests including a wine label and energy drinks.

    His family and inner circle have also focused on extending his legacy beyond his playing career. The clearest example is Messi’s purchase this year of Unió Esportiva Cornellà, a Catalan club competing in the Tercera Federación.

    The acquisition is intended to preserve the Messi name in football. The club is currently a small “toy”, but Messi hopes to grow it through his own management and that of his team in the coming years.

    Messi is also expected to live in Catalonia after retiring. He still owns his home in Castelldefels, where he will likely spend time with his family, oversee his businesses and develop his football legacy from another perspective.

    That future would come in addition to the role he is certain to hold as an enduring ambassador for Argentine football. Long live the “other” Leo.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina National Team in Emotional Farewell Video

    Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina National Team in Emotional Farewell Video

    Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team after more than two decades representing his country.

    The World Cup-winning captain shared an emotional farewell video on Instagram, saying the decision hurts deeply but that he believes the time has come to close this chapter of his career.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina National Team After 20 Years

    Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina National Team After 20 Years

    Lionel Messi is set to end his international football career after 20 years representing Argentina.

    The soccer star has officially announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team following six World Cup appearances.

    Source: www.eonline.com