Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his celebrated 21-year career with the Argentina national team.

The 39-year-old forward confirmed his decision after leading Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time, with Messi’s international career ending after another appearance in a World Cup final.

Messi made his senior international debut for Argentina in 2005 and went on to become the country’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer. He finished his international career with 125 goals in 207 appearances.

Messi’s Argentina career

Messi’s relationship with the Argentina national team included several painful defeats before he eventually led the side to major international honours.

He won the Copa América in 2021 before guiding Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar in 2022. Argentina also won the 2024 Copa América during his later international career.

The 2026 World Cup became his sixth appearance at the tournament. Argentina reached the final but fell short against Spain.

In announcing his decision, Messi said the choice was painful but that he understood the time had come to close this chapter of his career. He also expressed his continued love for representing Argentina.

Messi’s international records

Messi leaves Argentina as its most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.

His international honours include the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. His international career also included Olympic gold with Argentina in 2008.

Messi’s decision applies to international football and does not mean he has retired from the sport altogether. He remains a player for Inter Miami at club level.

Batwara 1947 has had a disappointing run at the box office, and actor Shabana Azmi has now shared her thoughts on why the film may not have connected with audiences. According to Azmi, one possible reason could be the difficulty some viewers had in accepting Sunny Deol as a Muslim character.

The film, which also features Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi, was released on August 14. It has reportedly earned around Rs 53 crore so far, while Awarapan 2, which released on the same day, has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark.

Shabana Azmi on Sunny Deol’s Muslim character

Discussing the film’s response, Shabana Azmi questioned whether audiences were able to accept Sunny Deol in a Muslim role.

She compared the situation with Amitabh Bachchan’s earlier performances in which he portrayed Muslim characters. Azmi pointed to Deewaar, where Bachchan’s character is associated with the number 786, and said such portrayals had been accepted by audiences.

Azmi also suggested that there may have been confusion among some viewers about Sunny Deol’s character in Batwara 1947. She said that even some people who had watched the film believed Deol was playing a Pakistani character, whereas, according to her, he plays an Indian Muslim.

What Shabana Azmi said about the film’s reception

Azmi said she was surprised by the contrast between the appreciation she had heard from people who watched the film and its weak theatrical performance.

According to her, viewers who discussed the film with her had praised its message of humanity, but that appreciation did not translate into enough people going to theatres.

She also questioned whether audiences were uncomfortable with the film’s India-Pakistan subject. Azmi maintained that the film’s message was not politically incorrect and praised Sunny Deol’s performance.

Batwara 1947 vs Awarapan 2 at the box office

The poor performance of Batwara 1947 has become more noticeable because the film released alongside Awarapan 2. While Batwara 1947 has struggled commercially, Awarapan 2 has performed significantly better at the box office.

The contrast has added to the discussion around the reception of the Sunny Deol-starrer, particularly after Azmi offered her view on why audiences may not have connected with the film.

Raksha Bandhan 2026 will be celebrated on August 28. The most auspicious time to tie Rakhi is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM, while Rahu Kaal will be from 10:46 AM to 12:22 PM.

Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, will be observed on Friday, August 28, 2026. The festival is celebrated on the day of Shravan Shukla Purnima, but this year the timing of the Purnima tithi has led to confusion over the exact date and auspicious time for tying Rakhi.

According to the Panchang details, the Shravan Shukla Purnima tithi begins at 9:08 AM on August 27 and ends at 9:48 AM on August 28. Raksha Bandhan will therefore be celebrated on August 28.

Raksha Bandhan 2026 shubh muhurat

The most auspicious period for tying Rakhi on August 28 is 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM. This period continues until the end of the Purnima tithi.

There will also be an Abhijit Muhurat from 11:56 AM to 12:48 PM, which is another favourable period mentioned for tying Rakhi.

Rahu Kaal on Raksha Bandhan

According to astrologers, Rahu Kaal on August 28 will be from 10:46 AM to 12:22 PM. Traditionally, Rakhi is advised to be avoided during this period.

Apart from Rahu Kaal, Rakhi can be tied during the day.

Is there a lunar eclipse on Raksha Bandhan?

A lunar eclipse is also associated with August 28, leading to questions about whether it will affect Raksha Bandhan rituals in India.

Lunar eclipse will not be visible in India, and therefore it will not be considered applicable there for the traditional observance discussed in the article.

How to tie Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan

For the Raksha Bandhan ritual, the Puja thali can include roli, sandalwood, rice grains (akshat), curd, Raksha Sutra, sweets and a ghee lamp.

As per the ritual first offer the Raksha Sutra and Puja thali to God. The brother is then seated facing east or north, followed by applying a tilak, tying the Rakhi and performing the aarti. The ritual is completed by offering sweets and seeking blessings from elders.