Kolkata, a city with a deep passion for football, is grappling with Lionel Messi's international retirement. The article explores the city's unique and enduring connection to the Argentine superstar, from his memorable 2011 visit to the emotional fan reactions to his retirement, including a controversial 2023 event.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a career marked by numerous club and international accolades, including multiple Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup title.
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday.
Lionel Messi made his first appearance for Inter Miami since retiring from international duty, providing an assist in a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United. The match saw Miami take the lead twice through Casemiro and Luis Suarez, but Atlanta equalised both times, with Miguel Almiron and Breel Embolo scoring. Messi, who is currently the joint top scorer in MLS, played despite recent personal loss.
'I gave everything I had, and I don't have anything more to give.'
Argentine footballers Lautaro Martinez, Leandro Paredes, Emiliano Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister have paid emotional tributes to Lionel Messi following his announcement to retire from international football, reflecting on his profound impact on their careers and the national team.
Lionel Messi's mother, Celia, shared an emotional statement reflecting on the deep connection her late husband, Jorge Messi, shared with their son's footballing journey, noting the bittersweet timing of Messi's international retirement just weeks after his father's passing.
Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami as the Major League Soccer side beat Mexican club Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium in Florida on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi has been called up by Argentina for a farewell appearance in a home friendly on October 6 against Benin, following his international retirement. Argentina will play three home friendlies in total, with the squad list also announced.
England football icon David Beckham has paid tribute to Lionel Messi, calling him a 'credit to himself' and an 'inspiration for millions' after the Argentina legend announced his retirement from international football.
Football superstar Lionel Messi is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, adding to his growing portfolio of football ownership interests. The acquisition, which involves taking over all shares from majority owner TH Soluciones Group S.A.S, is pending approval from Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD).
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, has announced his retirement from the national team, a decision he described as 'a decision that hurts the soul.'
Lionel Messi leaves as a World Cup winner and twice Copa America champion, the man who stepped out of Diego Maradona's immense shadow to create an Argentine legacy entirely his own.
The arguments over who is the greatest footballer of all time will rage on until the end of days, but you would have to go back to Diego Maradona or Pele to find a player with a similar individual influence on World Cup success.
Lionel Messi has shared a deeply personal and emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, on Instagram, expressing his profound grief and recalling his father's encouragement to play in one final World Cup.
Lionel Messi's emotional display at La Bombonera, with tears and heartfelt appreciation, has sparked speculation about his potential retirement from international football, despite his continued commitment to the upcoming World Cup.
Lionel Messi's unparalleled influence extends beyond his on-field performance, transforming opponents into admirers. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Messi effect,' sees rival players expressing awe and seeking mementos after matches, highlighting his profound impact on the current generation of footballers.
Messi, who said he was thoroughly enjoying the ride at his sixth World Cup and giving no thought to retirement, was looking forward to locking horns with 2010 champions Spain in New Jersey on Sunday.
Lionel Messi, nearing 39, has broken the World Cup all-time goal-scoring record with 18 goals, surpassing Marta and Miroslav Klose. This latest achievement adds to his illustrious career, which includes numerous club and international titles, cementing his status as one of football's greatest players.
Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Lionel Scaloni named a 26-man squad featuring 17 players from the 2022 title-winning team.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced strong support for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup, emphasising that performance, not age, should be the primary criterion for selection.
Lewis Hamilton dismisses retirement speculation, confirming his commitment to Ferrari with a contract extending to 2027. He also shared his support for Arsenal's Premier League title win, while other drivers discussed their football allegiances ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final sees Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, take on a strong Spanish unit featuring teenage star Lamine Yamal, with Messi aiming for back-to-back titles at a venue holding past painful memories.
Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman has accused the Argentina football team of deceiving the state by failing to play a match after allegedly receiving payment.
Sumit Sarkar was never intellectually dismissive of the Hindutva project. He took it with deadly seriousness for he grasped the challenge it posed to the aspirations and ideals of the anti-imperialist movement that generated multiple imaginings of freedom and ways to attain it, recalls Pradeep Kumar Dutta.
Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's shocking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, confirmed his decision after the match, marking the end of a celebrated career with the national team.
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde said the football world must get used to the idea that Lionel Messi will retire in the near future.
'At my age, it's only logical to think I might not.'
For long stretches, the atmosphere felt less Mumbai and more Camp Nou. Chants of 'Barca... Barca' and 'Suarez... Suarez' echoed through the stands as Messi interacted with youngsters, celebrities and former India football captain Sunil Chhetri.
Exploring memorable scenes that celebrate football in the movies.
Lionel Messi has extended his contract with MLS side Inter Miami to 2028, the club announced on Thursday.
Sunil Chhetri became the most capped player in Indian Super League history as Bengaluru FC beat Jamshedpur FC 1-0. Ryan Williams scored the decisive goal in the first half.
'I'm really eager because it's a World Cup. We're coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it's always a dream to play with the national team.'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accepted Aroop Biswas's resignation as the sports minister in the wake of the controversy over the mismanagement of football icon Lionel Messi's event last week, a senior leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress said.
'Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamed of.'
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
In a recent interview with El Pais, Suarez was asked whether he and Messi had talked about retirement.
'If I feel good, I will try to continue competing because it's what I like and what I know how to do.'
Romance and action rule the roost on this week's OTT special. Take your pick from Sukanya Verma's eclectic menu.
Lionel Messi says he is retiring from international soccer after Argentina lost to Chile in Copa America final.
