{ "story_id": "4df4eca941903850c38a9dde972c10e9", "desk": "drm3", "revision": 1, "published_at": "2026-09-01T11:00:01.000Z", "content_hash": "e8aeca4f0e2dddcc4dfa62d2422ca02c72370422968633d860e9098c24d99528", "hash_basis": "sha256 over `headline\\ndek\\nprose`, plus `\\n` + the canonical citations JSON when any source is placed, plus `\\n#blog` for blogs", "basis": { "headline": "Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina National Team, World Pays Tribute", "dek": "Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's national team on Monday after 21 years and four titles, sparking worldwide tributes.", "prose": "Lionel Messi, considered by many the greatest footballer in history, announced on Monday his retirement from the Argentina national team after 21 years and four titles, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup. [^1]\n\nArgentine football club River Plate is reportedly pursuing Colombian defender Willer Ditta, a 29-year-old central defender for Mexican club Cruz Azul. [^2]\n\nLionel Messi announced on August 31 that he is officially retiring from the Argentina national football team after representing the country for over 20 years. [^3]\n\nIn 2021, Lionel Messi's 21-year career at Barcelona ended because the club could not register his new contract under La Liga's financial rules during a serious financial crisis. [^4]\n\nLionel Messi said that money is not a motivating factor and that he would willingly play football for nothing, expressing that his motivation comes from playing the game he loves. [^5]\n\nGianni Infantino, president of FIFA, thanked Messi for giving joy to millions of football fans, stating that Messi retires as a FIFA World Cup champion and one of the best players the sport has ever had. [^6]\n\nLionel Messi said in his announcement, \"I've emptied myself out, I don't have any more to give,\" explaining his decision to retire. [^7]\n\nRodrigo De Paul, former teammate of Messi and current teammate at Inter Miami, said Messi's unconditional love for Argentina, internal battles to never give up, strength to withstand injustices, and leadership made him \"the greatest of all time.\" [^8]\n\nJournalists Hugo Balassone and César Luis Merlo confirmed the interest, stating that River Plate is willing to negotiate for the player. [^9]\n\nRiver Plate is considering Willer Ditta as a potential replacement for Lucas Martínez Quarta, who has faced criticism for recent performances. [^10]\n\nWiller Ditta has a market value of approximately 5.5 million euros according to Transfermarkt. [^11]\n\nMessi described the retirement decision as difficult but stated it was the right time to close an era marked by significant achievements. 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