Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, marking the end of a legendary career with the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old, who famously captained his country to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, stated that while the decision “hurts me deeply,” he believes “the time has come” to step aside.
Throughout his international tenure, Messi established himself as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, netting 125 goals in 207 appearances. In a heartfelt statement, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner explained that he has exhausted his contributions to the squad, noting that the emergence of talented young players makes this the right moment for him to depart.
Career Milestones and Personal Context
- International Debut: 2005 as a substitute against Hungary, resulting in a red card within one minute.
- World Cup Legacy: Scored 21 goals in the tournament, ranking second all-time behind Kylian Mbappe.
- International Scoring: Holds 125 goals, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 146.
- Club Future: Remains committed to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer through the 2028 season.
The timing of his announcement follows a period of significant personal reflection. Messi revealed that he drafted his retirement message on July 21, just two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in this summer’s World Cup final. He further emphasized that the recent passing of his father, Jorge, at age 68 following a long illness, solidified his resolve to conclude his international journey.
Reflecting on his time with the national side, Messi expressed deep gratitude for the experience. “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team,” he shared. Despite a challenging start to his international career in 2005—where he was sent off shortly after coming on as a substitute against Hungary—he evolved to secure a World Cup title and two Copa America trophies.
Messi’s final goal for his country came during a match against Egypt, where he scored an equalizer to rescue Argentina. While he is stepping away from international competition, he will continue his professional career in the United States, where he is under contract with Inter Miami until the conclusion of the 2028 season.
Important Details
- The report also notes that i’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.
