Soccer-U.S. forward Rapinoe to retire after current season

FILE PHOTO: Jun 27, 2023; Carson, California, USA; USWNT forward Megan Rapinoe during Women's World Cup media day at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Reuters) -United States forward Megan Rapinoe will retire after this season, the 38-year-old said on Saturday, days before she leaves for the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The charismatic veteran will compete in her fourth World Cup when the tournament kicks off on July 20, and said she will hang up her cleats after completing her National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season.