Algerian defender Mandi announced his retirement from the national team; he had his calf stepped on by Messi during this summer's World Cup.

Algerian defender Aissa Mandi announced his retirement from the national team via social media.

Following Mahrez, another key player for the Algerian national team has retired. Mandi officially announced his retirement from the national team on social media this Wednesday, a decision made after Algeria's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old Mandi also transferred from Lille to Levante this summer, ending his more than ten-year career with the Algerian national team.

In the video, Mandi emotionally told the fans, "It's time to say goodbye to you all." The player, who came through the Reims youth academy, left the national team as the club's all-time appearance record holder (122 appearances and 8 goals). His most memorable moment in his national team career was undoubtedly winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mandi made four appearances at this summer's World Cup, but Algeria failed to advance to the round of 16. It's worth noting that in the first group stage match between Algeria and Argentina, Mandi was stepped on the shin by Messi, but Messi did not receive a card, which sparked considerable discussion at the time.