It ‘hurts’: Messi retires from international football after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat

MIAMI, September 1 — Legendary footballer Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, following Argentina's heartbreaking loss in the World Cup final to Spain. The 39-year-old forward, who previously led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, cited the decision as painful and expressed that it was the right time to move on.

Messi wrote on Instagram, "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time." He stressed that he gave his all for the national team throughout his career, not just in recent years, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear the Argentina jersey. Messi, who has played 207 times for Argentina and scored 125 goals, was called up by the national team in 2005 at the age of 18.

Upon his father's death in August, Messi admitted to having serious doubts about continuing to play football, saying, "I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on." His contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami expires at the end of the 2028 season. Messi's impact on Argentina's football scene is undeniable, having inspired a nation to claim two World Cup titles.

His retirement marks the end of an era, as fans mourn the departure of a sportsman of unparalleled caliber.