Lionel Messi

MIAMI, United States Lionel Messi’s MESSI CUP is set to return for its second edition, with some of the world’s most recognised football academies selected to compete in an expanded Under-16 tournament in Miami.

Lionel Messi has unveiled the special Argentina jersey he will wear for his final international appearance, with the legendary forward preparing to bid farewell to the national team against Benin on October 6.

Lionel Messi has added another trophy to his remarkable collection, reaching 49 career honours according after inspiring Inter Miami to a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the 2026 Campeones Cup final.

Lionel Messi is set to make one final appearance for Argentina after announcing his retirement from international football, with the legendary captain accepting an invitation to feature against Benin in what will be his official farewell to the national team.

Simeone was asked about the Ballon d’Or debate and immediately placed Messi at the top of his list, highlighting what the veteran forward achieved during the 2026 World Cup.

The proposed takeover would see Messi acquire 100% of the shares currently held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group, making him the sole owner of the Alicante-based club if the transaction is completed.

The Inter Miami forward appears alongside Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane.

The tribute was ordered by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), with the timing chosen deliberately to reflect the No. 10 shirt Messi made his own during more than two decades with the national team.

The No.10 shirt has carried extraordinary significance for Argentina, having been worn by Diego Maradona before Messi took over and created a legacy that will be difficult to match.

On Monday, at 39, Messi finally brought that extraordinary chapter to an end. Following Argentina's defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner announced his retirement from international football, closing a national-team career that produced 207 appearances and 125 goals.