Messi Announces International Retirement

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 21-year career with the national team.

According to Ireporter Online, the 39-year-old football superstar made the announcement on Monday in an emotional statement shared on Instagram, explaining that he had reached a point where he had given everything possible to the national team.

Messi admitted that the decision was difficult and painful but said he believed it was the appropriate time to step aside, particularly as a new generation of Argentine players continues to emerge.

Reflecting on his lengthy career with Argentina, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward said he had consistently given his best for the national team and remained proud of representing his country.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time. I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” Messi said.

The Argentine icon noted that ending his international career was especially emotional because of his deep attachment to the national team and the pride he felt wearing the country’s colours.

He said he had nothing more to give and believed younger players deserved an opportunity to represent Argentina at the highest level.

Messi also expressed appreciation to Argentine supporters for their unwavering support throughout his two decades with the national team, saying he would now follow the team from outside the dressing room.

The football legend thanked his family, former coaches, teammates and officials who shared his journey with Argentina, describing the memories created during his international career as unforgettable.

He also reflected on the achievements he celebrated with his teammates, saying he was proud to have helped deliver moments that supporters had long dreamed of.

Messi ended his emotional message by expressing his love for Argentina and gratitude for being born Argentine.

The veteran forward also revealed that he had initially written the farewell message shortly after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

According to Messi, he drafted the statement on July 21, two days after the final, but decided against publishing it at the time.

He explained that a subsequent development involving his father further strengthened his decision to bring his international career to an end, saying the experience left him more convinced than ever that it was time to close the chapter.