Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after an illustrious career spanning more than two decades and 207 appearances for the national team.
The 39-year-old forward, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, leaves international football as a World Cup winner, two-time Copa América champion and one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport. Messi’s final appearance for Argentina came in this summer’s World Cup final, where the team finished as runners-up after also losing the 2014 final.
In a statement, Messi said the decision was painful but acknowledged that the time had come to bring his international career to an end. He said he had always given everything for the Argentina jersey and expressed confidence in the young players emerging to represent the country.
Messi revealed that he wrote his retirement statement on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but delayed its publication following the death of his father, Jorge, earlier in August. He had previously expressed doubts about continuing after struggling physically during the World Cup final, saying his legs could no longer carry him.
The announcement brings an end to a remarkable international career that also included his first retirement in 2016 before returning to help Argentina qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where his contract runs until 2028.
