Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a stellar 21-year journey with Argentina that yielded 125 goals, a World Cup, and two Copa America titles.
Lionel Messi has brought down the curtain on a legendary 21-year international career with Argentina, announcing his retirement via an emotional Instagram post. The 39-year-old forward steps away after representing his nation 207 times, scoring 125 goals, and lifting one World Cup along with two Copa America titles.
The decision follows Argentina's narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in North America and the passing of his father and first coach, Jorge, on August 8. Messi revealed that he penned his retirement note on July 21, two days after the World Cup concluded. 'Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,' Messi wrote. 'I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.'
Messi's international path began with a red card on debut against Hungary in 2005. Having left for Barcelona's La Masia academy at age 13, the five-foot-seven forward faced early skepticism and alienation from fans in his homeland, particularly after Argentina's early exit at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa under coach Diego Maradona.
Heartbreak continued with runner-up finishes at the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America tournaments. Following a penalty miss in the 2016 summit clash against Chile in New Jersey, Messi briefly walked away at age 29 before reversing his decision. While his international career has now come to a close, fans will still glimpse his genius in what remains of his contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.