메시, 아르헨 국가대표 은퇴 선언…“더 이상 기여할 힘이 없다”

Renowned Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, has announced his retirement from the national team. In a social media post on the 31st, Messi declared his retirement, stating that after much contemplation, he felt it was time to leave. He acknowledged that it was a difficult decision but knew it was the right moment to bid farewell and that he would continue to cherish every moment as a representative of his country.

Messi poured his heart and soul into the team and is now ready to contribute no more. He highlighted the emergence of excellent young players who deserve opportunities and encouraged them to take the stage. Messi returned to the national team after the 2016 Copa America semi-final loss, influenced by the demands of President and fans, and led Argentina to a 36-year return to normalcy at the 2022 World Cup with seven goals and three assists.

He also won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player in 2014, securing back-to-back Golden Balls in consecutive World Cups. The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi spearheaded Argentina with his unique dribbling and decision-making skills to a runner-up finish in the 2026 North America-Mexico-Canada World Cup. He scored second in the all-time World Cup top goalscorer list with 21 goals and recorded 125 appearances with 125 goals in Argentina's international matches.

Messi has been the top scorer and the most-capped player for Argentina. He expressed deep gratitude for the love and support he received over the past 20 years and acknowledged that he would always be a fan, cheering for his team from afar. Messi concluded his career with a sense of fulfillment, cherishing the unforgettable moments shared with his fans.