Messi, 39, leaves Argentina after captaining the team to World Cup victory in 2022 and the 2026 final.
Why it mattersOne of football's all-time greats steps away, ending Argentina's golden period of international success.
AustraliaNo direct Australian impact, though local sports fans and media lose one of football's greatest figures in international competition.
Corroborated byabc.net.au·thenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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