Lionel Messi retires from Argentina duty after father's death

Lionel Messi has retired from international duty following the death of his father Jorge Messi on August 8. The forward played 207 matches for Argentina and scored 125 goals, finishing as the country's all-time leading scorer.

Messi had already drafted his farewell letter two days after the World Cup final. His father's passing prompted him to confirm the timing of his retirement.

Messi's wife wrote that their children saw their father never give up during his international career. He ranks second behind France's Kylian Mbappe by one goal in World Cup scoring.