(FILES) Argentina's midfielder #05 Leandro Paredes waves to supporters during a friendly football match between Argentina and Zambia at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on March 31, 2026. The news of Lionel Messi's retirement on August 31, 2026, from the Argentine national team did not come as a surprise to the Albiceleste, but the loss of their captain, star player, and all-time leading scorer has a huge impact on the future of the World Cup runner-up. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP via Getty Images)