WASHINGTON (August 31, 2026) – Lionel Messi is set to retire from Argentina’s national team following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to his international career with one final opportunity to win soccer’s biggest prize. Messi, who has represented Argentina at four previous World Cups, has come close to a title but has yet to win the tournament. His retirement will mark a major transition for Argentina and leave the team looking for a new leader to fill the role of one of the greatest players in soccer history.
For insight and expertise on these developments, please consider Lissa Delpy Neirotti, director of GW’s MS in Sport Management Program. Neirotti is an internationally recognized expert in sport tourism and mega-events. She has been a professor of sport, event, and tourism management at the George Washington University for more than 30 years. Delpy Neirotti has established a strong academic program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and has also helped develop the Sport Philanthropy Certificate, which serves to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of non-profit organizations using sport for social good.
To schedule an interview, please contact Skyler Sales at skylers
gwu [dot] edu (skylers[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-