Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team following the 2026 World Cup final, in which Argentina lost to Spain. ^[1] A 48-hour strike at airports in Argentina is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, September 3-4, 2026. ^[2] His international legacy includes winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2021 Copa América, and the 2024 Copa América. ^[3] Messi communicated his decision through a letter published on his social media accounts, stating that the death of his father finalized his determination to retire. ^[4] Messi leaves the Argentina national team as the all-time top scorer with 125 goals and the player with the most appearances, totaling 207 matches. ^[5] The strike is expected to cause flight delays and possible cancellations at Argentine airports. ^[6] Colombian singer Shakira published an exclusive letter in Spanish newspaper El País titled 'En Madrid somos todos latinos' explaining her choice of Madrid for her concert residency. ^[7] Shakira said she was moved by the persecution of Latin people and chose to respond with celebration rather than anger. ^[8] Shakira said that Madrid celebrates Latin immigration rather than merely tolerating it, and that Spain's embrace has made the city younger and more creative. ^[9]