Argentina: Lionel Messi announces end of international career
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after 207 appearances for Argentina. With 125 goals to his name, he is by far the top scorer in his national team’s history.
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan paid emotional tribute to Lionel Messi following the legendary Argentine's announcement of retirement from international football. Dhawan took to social media, expressing his sadness that the Argentina national team shirt would not feel the same without Messi, who had worn the No. 10 shirt throughout his illustrious career.
Messi, 39 at the time of retirement, had a career marked by immense pressure, perseverance, heartbreak, and ultimate glory. Dhawan's post highlighted Messi's challenges and triumphs, praising his legacy. Yuvraj Singh, another former Indian cricketer, also paid tribute to Messi on social media, stating that the game would remember him long after the final whistle.
Messi, Argentina's most-capped player and highest goal scorer with 124 goals in 203 appearances, also holds the record for the most goals in South American football history. He led Argentina to their first World Cup final in 36 years in 2022 and their third World Cup title overall in 2023. Messi's impressive World Cup record included 21 goals in 34 matches across six tournaments, and he scored a hat-trick against Algeria in 2026.
Despite his international retirement, Messi continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
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