Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football
A monumental chapter in international football history has officially come to an end.
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old legendary captain confirmed that he is stepping down from international football after leading La Albiceleste through a glittering era of historic triumphs.
In his farewell address, Messi said:
"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. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment. I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too.
I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football. There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give. Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.
Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones. Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!
Thank you God for making me Argentine… Vamos Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before.”
The Argentine icon departs the international stage having achieved footballing immortality, guiding his country to glory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as two consecutive Copa América titles.
Throughout his unprecedented international journey, Messi made over 185 appearances for Argentina, cementing his status as the nation's all-time top goalscorer and one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
It is worth noting that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will continue his club career in MLS with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract.
Source: Daily Sports