Lionel Messi—Soccer Legend And Billionaire—Retires From Argentina National Team Murray is a Forbes news reporter covering entertainment trends.Aug 31, 2026, 11:42am EDTToplineLionel Messi, considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, announced Monday he would retire from competing internationally for Argentina’s national team, saying in a statement on Instagram the decision “hurts deep down,” but “the time has come.”Messi is worth $1.1 billion, according to Forbes estimates. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)Getty ImagesKey FactsThis is a developing story. Check back for updates. LOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED VideoExplore Topic