RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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As many fans expected, Lionel Messi is retiring from Argentina's national soccer team.
Today, Messi confirmed his retirement from international play in an Instagram post showing a handwritten note. In a footnote to the caption, the GOAT wrote, "*I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before." Messi's father died on Aug. 8 at the age of 68, less than a month after Argentina's World Cup final appearance against Spain.
Messi retires from senior international soccer after 21 years and six World Cups — including a victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Messi's final game was the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, who beat Argentina 1-0. Messi finished the tournament with eight goals — the second most, behind France's Kylian Mbappé with 10.
One repercussion of Messi's retirement is a surge in sales of his Argentina jersey. If you're looking to buy a Messi jersey online, read on for a few places that still have the kit in stock. We've included authentic Messi jerseys, as well as replicas and signed options. But act fast: we doubt these will be around much longer.
No surprise: Messi's Argentina authentic jersey is almost completely sold out. As of writing, some are are available in size small at Fanatics, but it's completely sold out at Adidas.
Replica jerseys are official but more affordable versions of the authentic jerseys. They're also easier to find in stock when authentic jerseys are sold out. Messi's replica Argentina jersey is currently in stock in most sizes, and you can pick it up for $50 less than the Authentic above.
Messi's first jersey from the 2006 World Cup is also well-stocked at Fanatics (and it's arguably more stylish than the modern ones).
For the serious Messi fans and collectors, there's also this hand-signed 2022-23 jersey.
Another signed Messi jersey is this one from the 2026 World Cup. Since it'll be his final World Cup, it's pricier but will potentially be more valuable down the road.
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