Messi Retires from International Football

Sports Desk

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. He made the announcement on social media on Monday. The superstar made the announcement a month after losing the World Cup final in July.

“This is a decision that has deeply hurt my soul and still does, but I understand that this is the right time,” Messi, 39, wrote on Instagram.

He further wrote, ‘I swear, I have always given my all. Not just in the last few years when we have won everything, but also in the times before that. I have always fought for this jersey and given my all.’

Messi has brought Argentina countless successes in his two-decade international career since his debut in 2005. He brought Argentina the trophy on the world stage by defeating France on a tiebreaker in the final in Doha in 2022. However, his team lost 1-0 to Spain in the final in 2026.

Messi expressed doubts about continuing to play football after the death of his father Jorge Messi in August this year. At the time, he expressed his doubts about playing football for a long time.

Messi currently plays for Inter Miami, a club in the United States’ Major League Soccer (MLS). He has a contract with the club until the end of the 2028 season.

In an emotional farewell message to his fans, Messi wrote, “Along with my teammates, I have been able to give you some moments that we once only dreamed of. I am leaving with that peace of mind and pride.”