By Our Reporter
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July. The 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday, saying the decision was painful but necessary. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time,” he wrote on Instagram.
Messi, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, said he had always given everything to the national team. “I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he said. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final after reaching the final for a second consecutive tournament.
Explaining his decision, Messi said his international career had reached its natural conclusion. “There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This one hurts me a lot,” he said, adding: “I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.” He also pointed to the emergence of younger players who deserve opportunities with the national team.
Messi thanked Argentines, his family, coaches and teammates for their support throughout his two decades with the national team. “I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of,” he said. His retirement ends an extraordinary international career crowned by the 2022 World Cup triumph, while he remains contracted to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season.
With reports from Vanguard