Messi retires from international football
Lionel Messi announced Monday that he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final, ending one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport.
Messi, 39, said the decision was painful but that he believed it was the right time to leave the national team.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
The World Cup final in New York last month was the final international match of Messi’s career. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain, denying Messi another world title after he had guided his country to victory over France in the 2022 final in Doha.
World Cup champion and Argentina record holder
Messi played in a record-tying six World Cups and made 207 appearances for Argentina, more than any other player.
He is also the national team’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, including 21 at World Cups.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals in men’s international football, with 146 for Portugal.
Messi’s international career also included Copa América success and the long-awaited 2022 World Cup triumph, cementing his status alongside Diego Maradona and Pelé among the game’s greatest players.
“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” Messi said.
Death of father reinforced decision
Messi said he had already written his retirement statement on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but the subsequent death of his father, Jorge, strengthened his decision.
“Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced of this decision than before,” he said.
Following his father’s death earlier in August, Messi had said he had serious doubts about continuing to play football for much longer.
Messi remains under contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 season.
Tributes pour in
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described Messi during the World Cup as “pure history” and “a legend.”
Argentina President Javier Milei thanked Messi in a social media post, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised his international career for inspiring millions and helping redefine the sport.
Messi thanked Argentina’s supporters, his family, coaches, teammates and officials for their support throughout his career.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of,” he said.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.”
He ended his statement by thanking God for making him Argentine and declaring: “Vamos Argentina!”
Source:DailySabah
