Argentina's Messi ends international career
Lionel Messi, the record eight-times Ballon d'Or winner and Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 international games, has announced his retirement from international football. The 39-year-old, who captained his country to World Cup victories in 2022 and the final in 2026, expressed his gratitude and love for the national team but admitted that it was time to move on.
Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami, had a complex relationship with Argentina but acknowledged that he gave his all during his international career, fighting for the jersey and bringing joy to his fellow countrymen. The Argentine Football Association praised Messi's legacy and professionalism, thanking him for the beautiful journey shared with the national team.
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