BUENOS AIRES: Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtains on a illustrious 21-year career with the national side. The legend broke the news to the world through a deeply emotional post shared on his social media platforms. Messi had previously hinted at stepping away from international duty following the passing of his father.
Expressing his gratitude to God for being born an Argentine, Messi stated that he steps down with immense pride, peace, and the joy of having fulfilled his lifelong dreams. “I make this decision with a heavy heart, but I realize that now is the right time to step back. Not just during the victorious years of late, but at all times, I have given everything for this jersey. As an Argentine, I fought on the pitch to make every single one of you proud. I will continue to support the team, staying by their side even more during tough times. I walk away holding onto unforgettable memories. Thank you for 21 years of love,” wrote the captain who led the nation to a World Cup victory in 2022.
Messi bids farewell at the age of 39, closing a stellar 21-year international journey. Having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, he led his nation to an Olympic Gold in 2008 and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. Pointing out that he gave his all for the team long before the trophy-laden years, he noted that he has nothing left to offer and that it is time to make way for the upcoming generation of promising young talent. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support, concluding his message by stating that he will henceforth cheer for Argentina from the stands as a devoted fan.
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