Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From International Football

BUENOS AIRES: (Sports Desk) – Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in the history of the sport.

According to a foreign news agency, the 39-year-old Argentina captain said the decision had caused him considerable emotional pain, but he believed the time had come to leave the national team.

Messi said representing Argentina had always been a source of pride and that he would continue to cherish his connection with the team.

Messi Says He Has Given Everything

The Argentine star said he had given everything he could to both the national team and football and felt there was little more he could contribute at this stage of his career.

He also pointed to the emergence of a new generation of talented Argentine players, saying they deserved opportunities to establish themselves at international level.

Messi revealed that he had written his retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

Father’s Death Influenced Decision

Messi said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this year further strengthened his decision to step away from international football.

Jorge Messi died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness.

Messi’s Historic Argentina Career

Messi leaves the Argentina national team after representing his country in 207 international matches and scoring 125 goals.

He remains Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player.

The legendary forward also captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, cementing his place among the greatest players in international football history.