Messi bids farewell, Argentina orphaned before 2026

Lionel Messi announced on Monday his departure from the Argentine national team, ending a decade of commitment to his country. The goalscorer who guided the Albiceleste to the 2022 World Cup title justified this decision after eight years of continuous effort. Lionel Scaloni, the coach, will now have to build a competitive team without his charismatic leader for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina loses its offensive standard two years before the North American tournament.