Argentina football legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football in an emotional statement on Monday, bringing an end to his remarkable 20-year journey with the national team.
The eight-time World Footballer of the Year enjoyed one of the most celebrated international careers in football history, leading Argentina to three World Cup finals and famously lifting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Messi said the decision to retire was painful but felt that the time had come to step aside and allow younger players to take greater responsibility.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” Messi said. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”
The 39-year-old expressed his gratitude to Argentina’s fans, his family, coaches and teammates for supporting him throughout his extraordinary career. He said he would always remain a supporter of his country, even if he could no longer represent Argentina on the pitch.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of,” Messi said. “It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi reportedly ends his legendary Argentina career with 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 appearances, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
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