Soccer-'All the joy he gave us': Argentina's response retirement

Argentines saluted Lionel Messi on Monday after the soccer great confirmed the news many had long expected but still found painful: his retirement from the national team.



Messi, 39, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and another final in 2026, announced his international retirement on Instagram on Monday, describing it as "a decision that hurts the soul."



His image had been inescapable during this year's World Cup, appearing on billboards across downtown Buenos Aires and towering over a Patagonian town in the form of an 85-foot statue.



Locals there watched Argentina play England on a screen erected beside the statue's giant knees.



As Messi broke records with his scoring streak during the tournament, Argentines took to the streets to sing "Happy Birthday" when he turned 39 in June.