(FILES) Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during a Group F football match between Argentina and Iran at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on June 21, 2014. Argentine football player Lionel Messi said on August 31, 2026, he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final. (Photo by Pedro UGARTE / AFP via Getty Images)