Lionel Messi announces international retirement from Argentina national team

sport Senegal

Lionel Messi's international career with Argentina: a retrospective of key moments

Lionel Messi has concluded his 21-year international career with Argentina, marked by exceptional highs and profound disappointments. As the Albiceleste's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, a 2022 World Cup champion, and a two-time Copa América winner, Messi's journey included significant milestones. His World Cup debut in 2006 in Germany saw him, at under 19, score and assist against Serbia and Montenegro, showcasing his potential. In 2014, as captain, he led Argentina to the World Cup final in Brazil, where they lost 1-0 to Germany after extra time, despite Messi being named the tournament's best player. A year later, in 2016, after missing a penalty in the Copa América final against Chile, a distraught Messi announced his international retirement at 29, only to reverse the decision two months later due to public support. His perseverance paid off in 2021 when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in the Copa América final, securing Messi's first major international title. The pinnacle arrived in 2022 in Qatar, where he led Argentina to their third World Cup title, scoring two goals in a thrilling 3-3 final against France, which Argentina won on penalties. In 2024, he guided Argentina to another Copa América victory, confirming their dominance. His final World Cup appearance in 2026 saw him score eight goals, bringing his total to 21 World Cup goals, but Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final. Messi officially retired from international football on August 31, 2026, leaving a

SeneNews12 mins ago5 min

politics Senegal

Citizen initiative "30 days for the right price" mobilizes against rising cost of living in Senegal

A citizen initiative called "30 days for the right price" is gaining momentum in Senegal, aiming to combat rising prices and the decline in purchasing power. The movement plans targeted boycotts, denunciation of abusive practices, and a peaceful march to pressure economic actors and public authorities to address the high cost of living. Samba Kandji, one of the initiators, stated that inflation is severely impacting Senegalese citizens and criticized the authorities' silence on household difficulties. The initiative is also mobilizing support on social media platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok. ASCOSEN's vice-president, Momodou Cissé, supports the movement but urges consumers to compare prices, encourage competition, and report non-compliant practices. Through this initiative, citizens aim to transform their anger into organized action to defend their purchasing power.

SeneNews27 mins ago1 min

sport Senegal

Manchester City makes late bid for Iliman Ndiaye as transfer window closes

Manchester City has reportedly made a last-minute approach for Senegalese international Iliman Ndiaye, complicating a potential transfer to Tottenham. Tottenham had seemingly been close to securing Ndiaye, with a deal reportedly contingent on Richarlison moving from Tottenham back to Everton. While Richarlison initially hesitated, he has since agreed to return to Goodison Park, and Tottenham is said to have reached a 70 million euro agreement with Everton for Ndiaye. However, Manchester City, seeking offensive reinforcements after the departures of Savio and Omar Marmoush, has re-entered the race. The club is reportedly preparing an offer of up to 80 million pounds to persuade Everton to sell Ndiaye to them instead of Tottenham. Discussions between Manchester City and Ndiaye's representatives are ongoing alongside negotiations with Tottenham. With the summer transfer window closing soon, Everton faces a decision between Tottenham's advanced offer and Manchester City's more recent, financially larger bid for the player.

SeneNews47 mins ago1 min

Lionel Messi announces international retirement from Argentina national team

Get the pulse of Africa in your inbox

More from Senegal

Lionel Messi's international career with Argentina: a retrospective of key moments

Citizen initiative "30 days for the right price" mobilizes against rising cost of living in Senegal

Manchester City makes late bid for Iliman Ndiaye as transfer window closes