It 'hurts' says Messi as he retires from international football
Lionel Messi said on Monday he was retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July.Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago by winning the final against France in a penalty shootout in Doha, but his side lost 1-0 to a superior Spain side in the 2026 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
World Cup winner Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, citing the decision as both painful and the right time. The 39-year-old forward, who led Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final in July, expressed that his decision hurt deeply. Messi wrote on Instagram that he gave everything for his country, not only during the recent successes but throughout his 21-year career.
He had serious doubts about continuing to play football after his father Jorge's death in August. Messi's contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami remains until the end of the 2028 season. Despite his emotional announcement, Messi acknowledged that younger Argentine players are now ready to take the torch. FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Messi, calling him "one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen."
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- ‘The right moment’: Argentina’s Lionel Messi announces retirement from international soccer toronto.citynews.ca
- Angel Di Maria hails Messi as “the greatest in history” after Argentina retirement 3news.com
- Argentina soccer legend Lionel Messi, 39, retiring from international play cbc.ca
- It 'hurts' says Messi as he retires from international football iol.co.za
- Argentina legend Lionel Messi retires from international football aljazeera.com
- No fairytale ending, but Messi leaves defining legacy for Argentina channelnewsasia.com
