Overview
- Lionel Messi confirmed his retirement from the Argentina national team after more than 20 years, a decision he announced on social media on August 31.
- Teammates, clubs and public figures responded with tributes that have focused on his leadership, trophies and role in Argentine identity.
- During film-promotion interviews, actor Mark Wahlberg said the weight of representing Argentina must have been “too much,” praised Messi’s play at age 39 and said he could not imagine waiting another four years for a World Cup.
- Wahlberg cited Messi’s recent four-goal performance for Inter Miami to underline the player’s continued high level and said Messi’s presence has helped raise MLS’s competitiveness, while references to Neymar joining Inter Miami in 2027 were described as unconfirmed transfer talk.
- The widespread coverage of Wahlberg’s comments shows how celebrity media appearances can amplify sports debates and could keep U.S. attention on MLS signings, shirt sales and future transfer speculation.