May 14, 2026

Iniesta Retires From International Football After Spain’s World Cup Exit

By Farouk Mohammed

Andrés Iniesta has confirmed his retirement from international football after Spain’s penalty shootout defeat to Russia.

The former Barcelona man came on as a in La Roja 4-3 loss on penalties to hosts Russia in the last 16 on Sunday.

The 34-year-old, who scored Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, played his 131 game for the national team today, in what was a blistering career.

He was part of the Spanish golden generation that won the the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, and the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

“It is a reality that is my last match with the national team,” he said.

“Sometimes the endings are not as one dreams,” he added. “It is the saddest day of my career.”

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