Messi retires from international football

Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Argentine footballer, has announced his retirement from international football. He played his final match for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, which they lost to Spain. Following the loss, Messi's father, Jorge, passed away after a prolonged illness. In a statement on Instagram, Messi shared his decision, stating that after reflecting on the final and his time with the national team, he felt it was time to retire.

He expressed deep sorrow over the decision, acknowledging the pain but understanding that the time had come. Messi emphasized his commitment to the Argentine national team, stating that he always fought and gave his all on the field, bringing joy and pride to the country. He highlighted the arrival of talented young players who deserve to represent Argentina and thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and officials for their support throughout his career.

Messi expressed gratitude for the affection and love he received over his 20 years with the national team and thanked them for witnessing both the good and bad moments on the pitch. He promised to miss hearing from the Argentine fans and transitioned into being just one of them, cheering from the sidelines. Messi credited his family for their unwavering support and shared his love for the country and the unforgettable memories made with his teammates.

He concluded by thanking God for allowing him to be Argentine and wished Argentina success in the future.