(FILES) Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) is challenged by Nigerian defender Chibuzor Okonkwo during the men's Olympic football final Argentina vs. Nigeria at the national stadium in Beijing during the 2008 Beijing Olympic games on August 23, 2008. Argentina won 1-0. Argentine football player Lionel Messi said on August 31, 2026, he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images)