The match marked Messi’s final appearance for the national team in front of Argentine supporters.

More than two decades after making his senior debut, the 39-year-old closed the international chapter of his career with another decisive performance.

Messi leaves with a goal and victory

Argentina took control after a scoreless first half.

Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring before Nicolás Paz doubled the lead. Messi then completed the 3-0 victory with a penalty late in the match.

He also assisted the goals scored by Otamendi and Paz.

The result gave Messi a fitting final night in the Argentina shirt. The AFA described the match as his last appearance for the national team before the home crowd.

An emotional farewell

The Monumental was packed for Messi’s farewell.

He became visibly emotional before kickoff during the Argentine national anthem. His three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, were also present for the pre-match ceremony.

The stadium then celebrated Messi throughout his final match.

The farewell followed Messi’s decision to retire from the Argentina national team after the 2026 World Cup. He had announced the decision on Aug. 31, ending a senior international career that began in 2005.

A record-breaking Argentina career

Messi finishes as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading scorer.

His final international record stands at 208 appearances and 126 goals. FIFA also lists 70 assists, 135 wins, 43 draws and 30 defeats.

His Argentina career included four major senior titles: the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América. Argentina also reached the 2026 World Cup final during his final international campaign.

The 2022 World Cup victory ended Argentina’s long wait for another men’s World Cup title and became the defining achievement of Messi’s international career.

From criticism to national icon

Messi’s relationship with Argentina supporters changed significantly over his career.

His early years with the national team included criticism after several major tournament defeats. Argentina reached the 2014 World Cup final and lost the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals.

The criticism eased after Argentina began winning major titles.

The 2021 Copa América was followed by the Finalissima and World Cup triumph in 2022, then another Copa América title in 2024.

By the time of his farewell, Messi was being celebrated by the same national football culture that had once demanded more from him.

The Argentina chapter is over

Messi’s final match does not mark the end of his professional football career.

He remains a club player with Inter Miami, meaning his international retirement is separate from his future at club level.

For Argentina, however, the era has reached its final whistle.

Messi leaves the national team as its record appearance holder and top scorer, with a World Cup, two Copa América titles and the Finalissima among the major trophies won during his career.

His final night in Buenos Aires added one more goal, two assists and a victory to the record.

Reporting Credit: Asociación del Fútbol Argentino; FIFA; Argentina national team; Argentine Football Association match records; Estadio Monumental attendance records.

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Messi announced his decision Monday in an emotional social-media message, saying the time had come to close his chapter with the national team. He said he had given everything he had to Argentina and that a new generation of players deserved opportunities.

The retirement comes after Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance. Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final, where it lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time, denying Messi a second World Cup title and a winning farewell.

A record-breaking international career

Messi leaves Argentina with 207 appearances and 125 goals, both national records.

His 125 goals rank second among men’s international scorers behind Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 146. Messi scored 21 World Cup goals, also making him the second-highest scorer in World Cup history behind France’s Kylian Mbappé.

He played at six World Cups — 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 — tying the record for appearances in six tournaments. He also holds the World Cup record for appearances, with 34 matches.

The World Cup finally arrived

For much of Messi’s early international career, his relationship with Argentina was defined by disappointment.

He lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and suffered defeats in consecutive Copa América finals.

In 2016, after Argentina lost another Copa América final to Chile, Messi briefly announced his international retirement. He later reversed the decision and returned to the national team.

His fortunes eventually changed.

Messi led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title, its first major international trophy of his senior career, before captaining the team to the 2022 World Cup championship in Qatar.

Argentina then won the 2024 Copa América, giving Messi three major senior international titles in four years.

Six World Cups and three finals

Messi reached three World Cup finals during his career.

Argentina lost to Germany in 2014 before defeating France in the 2022 final. In 2026, Argentina again reached the championship match but fell to Spain after extra time.

The 2026 tournament nevertheless added to Messi’s extraordinary statistical record.

He scored eight goals during the tournament, taking his career World Cup total to 21. He also became the only player to score at a World Cup in his teens, 20s and 30s.

Messi leaves without another title

The defeat to Spain meant Messi’s international career ended without the storybook finish many Argentina supporters had hoped for.

But the loss does little to alter his standing in Argentine soccer.

By the time he reached the 2026 final, Messi had already won the major international trophy that had eluded him for most of his career.

His 2022 World Cup victory also ended years of comparisons with Argentina’s other iconic No. 10, Diego Maradona, who captained the country to the 1986 World Cup title.

A decision shaped by personal loss

Messi said he had written his retirement message shortly after the 2026 World Cup final but delayed publishing it.

His father, Jorge Messi, died on August 8 at age 68. Messi said the loss strengthened his decision to step away from Argentina.

Messi has not announced an immediate retirement from club soccer.

He continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where his contract runs through the 2028 season.

Argentina says goodbye

The Argentine Football Association paid tribute to Messi following his announcement, thanking him for the journey he gave the national team and saying his legacy and professionalism would remain permanently associated with Argentine soccer.

Former teammates and other Argentine athletes also posted tributes, while fans across the country expressed sadness at the end of an era.

For Argentina, Messi’s departure means the national team must now move forward without the player who defined its attack and identity for more than two decades.

A legacy that extends beyond the numbers

Messi leaves Argentina as its most decorated modern player and one of the most accomplished footballers in international history.

His record includes:

• 207 Argentina appearances
• 125 Argentina goals
• 21 World Cup goals
• 6 World Cups
• 3 World Cup finals
• 1 World Cup title
• 2 Copa América titles
• 1 Olympic gold medal
• 8 Ballon d’Or awards

His final chapter with Argentina therefore ends not with another trophy, but with a record that is unlikely to be easily matched.

What Happens Next

Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, while Argentina begins preparing for a future without its longtime captain and No. 10.

The national team now enters a generational transition after more than 20 years in which Messi was its central figure.

For Argentine soccer, the question is no longer whether Messi will finally win a major international trophy.

He already did.

The question is how Argentina replaces a player who leaves as its record scorer, record appearance holder and World Cup champion.

Key Facts

• Player: Lionel Messi
• Age: 39
• International career: 2005–2026
• Argentina appearances: 207
• Argentina goals: 125
• World Cup appearances: 6
• World Cup goals: 21
• World Cup titles: 2022
• Copa América titles: 2021, 2024
• 2026 World Cup: Runner-up
• Club: Inter Miami
• Status: INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT — CONFIRMED

Reporting Credit: FIFA — Messi’s international career and World Cup records; Argentine Football Association — national-team tribute and retirement response; Inter Miami — club status and contract information; Lionel Messi — retirement announcement.

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The result represented a landmark moment for the Atlantic archipelago of about 500,000 people, which became one of the smallest nations by population ever to qualify for the World Cup. Despite facing one of the tournament favorites and the reigning European champions, Cape Verde produced a disciplined defensive display to earn a point in its debut match.

In the capital city of Praia, supporters gathered at watch parties and along major roads to celebrate the achievement. Fans sang, danced, and embraced as the final whistle confirmed a result few had expected before kickoff.

“I didn’t expect us to be holding our own in such a highly contested and difficult match,” supporter William Gomes said. He praised veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, whose performance helped keep Spain off the scoresheet.

Veteran Goalkeeper Leads Defensive Effort

Cape Verde’s defensive organization proved crucial throughout the match, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha emerging as one of the standout performers.

Facing a Spanish side widely viewed as a contender for the World Cup title, Cape Verde resisted sustained pressure and maintained its defensive structure to secure a historic draw.

The performance quickly became a source of national pride and international attention, highlighting the country’s growing presence on football’s biggest stage.

National Pride on Display

The achievement sparked emotional scenes across Praia, where many supporters described the occasion as one of the most significant moments in the nation’s sporting history.

“Cape Verde is only a small country, but today it feels great and important,” resident Vladimir Garcia said. “I don’t even have enough words to express what we’re feeling. We Cape Verdeans are truly blessed.”

Ahead of the match, the Cape Verdean government declared a half-day holiday to allow citizens to follow the national team’s World Cup debut.

Historic Moment Beyond Football

The result also reignited discussion about the expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams. Critics had argued that the larger tournament could reduce the overall quality of competition, but Cape Verde’s performance against Spain provided an example of how emerging football nations can compete on the global stage.

President José Maria Neves reflected on the broader significance of the occasion, linking the achievement to the country’s development since gaining independence from Portugal 50 years ago.

“If today, 50 years later, we are at the World Cup, we have already proven that we are a viable nation,” Neves said on social media.

He added that the milestone should inspire confidence in the country’s future and its ability to continue building opportunities for its citizens.

Cape Verde’s World Cup journey continues after a debut that delivered both a valuable result and a memorable moment in the nation’s sporting history.

Tags: Cape Verde, Spain, FIFA World Cup, Vozinha, Praia, José Maria Neves, World Cup Debut, International Football

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Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears. At 40 years old, he just helped Portugal claim another title — their third under his captaincy — this time against their fiercest rivals, Spain, in a dramatic Nations League final decided by penalties.

It wasn’t just the trophy that brought him to tears. It was pride. Relief. Legacy.

And maybe, just maybe, it also saved the job of Portugal’s under-fire manager Roberto Martinez.

Ronaldo: Still Defying Time and Expectations

Ronaldo may have left the pitch in the 88th minute, but he had already done what he does best: score goals. His 61st-minute strike — a trademark poacher’s finish from close range — tied the game at 2-2. It was his 138th international goal, and his eighth in nine Nations League matches this campaign, just behind Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres.

Let’s not forget: this is a player plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, yet he’s still delivering on the biggest stages.

As ITV pundit Karen Carney put it:

“When you turn 30, people say you’re old. He’s 40 — and still defying us.”

Andros Townsend added:

“He’s a predator in the box. That’s why he’s on the pitch. People have written him off, but he played his part. More than played it.”

He touched the ball just 22 times, but one of those touches rippled the net — and another saw him chase down none other than Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to win back possession.

Not bad for the “old man.”

Yamal Meets His Match: Enter Nuno Mendes

Much of the pre-match buzz was about the generational clash between Ronaldo and 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal. But it wasn’t Ronaldo who shut Yamal down — it was Portugal’s flying full-back Nuno Mendes, who turned in a near-flawless performance.

Yamal, fresh off a semi-final brace against France, found himself largely anonymous this time around. Mendes not only kept him quiet, but also scored Portugal’s first equaliser with a sharp finish into the bottom corner — and earned Man of the Match for his efforts.

Stats don’t lie:

• 4 successful dribbles (most in the team)
• More touches in the opposition box than any Portugal player
• 7 duels won
• 5 tackles won
• 16 passes into the final third

UEFA’s technical observers called Mendes “incredible, both in attack and defense.” Spanish football journalist Guillem Balagué went even further, saying:

“Lamine Yamal, in Nuno Mendes, has found his nemesis.”

Has Martinez Bought Himself Time?

With this trophy, Roberto Martinez earns the first international title of his managerial career — and possibly a lifeline. After years of underachievement with Belgium’s golden generation, skepticism followed him to Portugal.

Rumors had swirled about his job security, especially with a new federation president reportedly eyeing high-profile names like Jorge Jesus or José Mourinho.

But after this? It’s hard to justify letting him go.

“How can you sack a man who just won a trophy and has made Ronaldo a regular goalscorer again?” asked Balagué.

Martinez took the reins in January 2023 and is contracted through the 2026 World Cup. Whether or not the Nations League carries the same weight as the Euros or World Cup, it’s still one of just three major trophies European nations can realistically win. And he’s delivered it.

Carney summed it up:

“There’s something special about him. The players — especially Ronaldo — have responded. He deserves to lead them into the World Cup.”

A Night for the Next Generation Too

Portugal’s future looks just as bright as its past. Alongside Mendes, teammates Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Goncalo Ramos were also celebrating their second major win in eight days, after lifting the Champions League with PSG.

If this blend of experience and youth continues to click, Portugal could be a real force heading into 2026.

Bottom Line: A Victory With Consequences

• Cristiano Ronaldo proves he’s still got it at 40.
• Nuno Mendes cements himself as one of the best full-backs in Europe.
• Lamine Yamal gets a tough but valuable lesson.
• Roberto Martinez might have just saved his job — and Portugal’s future looks more promising than ever.

It might “only” be the Nations League, but for Portugal, it feels like much more.

Source: BBC – Ronaldo tears & Yamal’s nemesis – has Nations League saved Martinez?

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Big news for women’s football: FIFA has confirmed that the Women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams starting in 2031. This expansion will bring the women’s tournament in line with the men’s World Cup, which is also set to grow to 48 teams in 2026.

The decision to increase the tournament size was unanimously agreed upon by the FIFA Council. As a result, the Women’s World Cup will feature 12 groups and 104 matches, up from the current 64. To accommodate the expanded schedule and the growing number of teams, the tournament will also be extended by a week.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that this change isn’t just about adding more teams to the competition. It’s also a strategic move to help develop women’s football on a global scale. By increasing the number of teams, more nations will have the opportunity to grow and improve their women’s football programs.

“This decision ensures we are maintaining the momentum in terms of growing women’s football globally,” Infantino said, referring to the groundbreaking 2023 Women’s World Cup, where teams from all six FIFA confederations won at least one match, and teams from five confederations reached the knockout stages.

Potential Host for 2031: United States

The United States is poised to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Infantino confirming that both the US and the UK are favorites to host the 2031 and 2035 editions, respectively. This follows a successful bid process, with both countries meeting the first deadline in the race to host.

The next Women’s World Cup in 2027, the final tournament with the current 32-team format, will be held in Brazil.

FIFA’s New Initiative for Afghan Women’s Football

In another historic move, FIFA has announced plans to create an Afghan women’s refugee team. This initiative aims to give Afghan women the opportunity to play football despite the challenges they face under the Taliban regime, which has banned female participation in sports.

FIFA’s commitment to helping Afghan women enter the football world represents a strong stand for gender equality in sports. Infantino called the creation of a refugee team a “landmark initiative” and reaffirmed FIFA’s dedication to providing every girl with the chance to play football.

Khalida Popal, a founding member of Afghanistan’s women’s national team, shared her pride in being part of FIFA’s first refugee soccer team. “We are happy that FIFA has created a pathway for Afghan players to finally return to the field,” she told CNN, adding that she hopes FIFA will one day officially recognize the Afghan Women’s National Team.

These groundbreaking decisions from FIFA reflect the ongoing global growth of women’s football and highlight the organization’s commitment to providing opportunities for women to compete on the world stage. The future of women’s football is certainly looking brighter with these important steps forward.

Source:  CNN – FIFA Women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams in 2031

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Key Decisions Announced for 2030 and 2034 Tournaments

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, marking a major milestone in the kingdom’s growing investment in global sports. FIFA also confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with special centenary matches in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to commemorate 100 years of the competition.

These decisions were finalized during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting held via video link, where all 211 member nations participated.

Highlights from the FIFA Congress

• Centenary Matches: Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will host three games during the 2030 World Cup to honor the tournament’s origin.
• Host Selection Process: The 2030 and 2034 host nations were chosen through two separate votes. FIFA’s Secretary General, Mattias Grafstrom, noted that all member associations cast their votes ahead of the meeting.
• Voting Method: Decisions were made by acclamation, with members applauding via video links.

Mixed Reactions from FIFA Members

While many nations supported the decisions, some expressed concerns about the bidding process:

• Norway abstained, citing issues with the bidding process rather than opposition to Saudi Arabia.
• Switzerland’s FA approved Saudi Arabia’s bid but urged FIFA and the International Labour Organization to monitor human rights closely.
• Denmark’s FA supported the bids but criticized the lack of competition and called for better human rights oversight.

Human Rights Concerns Surrounding Saudi Arabia’s Bid

Saudi Arabia’s hosting plans have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations:

• Amnesty International condemned FIFA’s decision, warning of potential exploitation of workers and other abuses without adequate reforms.
• A statement from 21 human rights groups called FIFA’s move “reckless,” urging immediate protections to prevent harm.

Saudi Arabia has faced accusations of “sportswashing” — using sports investments to divert attention from its human rights record and environmental concerns.

Infrastructure and Preparedness

Of the 15 stadiums identified for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, only four have been completed so far, raising questions about the country’s readiness to host.

Support from Key Football Associations

The English, Scottish, and Welsh Football Associations backed the 2030 and 2034 bids:

• England’s FA expressed confidence in both bids, stating they met FIFA’s hosting criteria.
• A priority was placed on ensuring fans could enjoy safe and accessible tournaments.

FIFA Defends Its Decisions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the criticism but expressed optimism:

• “We trust our hosts to address all open points,” Infantino said.
• He emphasized the potential for hosting World Cups to drive “social improvements and positive human rights impacts.”

FIFA highlighted its commitment to transparency and lasting change through its host partnerships, vowing to hold host nations accountable.

Source

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