Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, bringing an emotional end to his remarkable 20-year journey with the national team.
Newsonspot reports that the 39-year-old Argentina captain made the announcement in an emotional statement, admitting that the decision was painful but one he had come to accept after reflecting deeply on his future with the team.
Messi said he had always given everything for Argentina, stressing that his commitment to the country went far beyond the years in which he and his teammates achieved unprecedented success.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment,” Messi said.
The football icon explained that he believes the time has come for a new generation of Argentine players to take over, acknowledging the emergence of young talents who deserve opportunities with the national team.
Messi said there was little left to accomplish and that he had given everything he could to the team he loved.
“I loved, loved, and will always love being in the National Team. I emptied myself, I no longer have anything more to give,” he said, while expressing confidence in the young players coming through.
The Argentine superstar also thanked his compatriots for their support throughout his two decades with the national team, saying he would now cheer for Argentina from outside the dressing room.
He equally expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates and officials who accompanied him throughout his international career, describing the journey as beautiful but difficult.
Messi revealed that he had originally written his retirement statement on July 21, two days after the final, but decided to release it after taking more time to reflect.
He added that what happened to his father had further strengthened his conviction about the decision.
Messi leaves behind one of the most decorated international careers in football history. With Argentina, he won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, as well as the 2022 Finalissima.
His departure marks the closing of an extraordinary chapter for Argentina, with Messi having played a central role in transforming the national team from years of near misses into one of the most successful sides of the modern era.
