Argentina’s 39-year-old Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. After playing over 190 matches and scoring more than 110 goals for the national team, Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2021 and 2024 Copa America tournaments. An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi has now played his final international match representing Argentina. Kathmandu, September 1.
The legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has declared his departure from international football. The World Cup and two-time Copa America champion announced that his journey with the national team has come to an end at age 39. Over a career spanning two decades, Messi became Argentina’s record appearance holder and top scorer, featuring in 210 matches and netting 125 goals. He was instrumental in Argentina’s triumphs in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America, and the Finalissima.
In a lengthy message posted on social media, Messi described this decision as one of the most painful of his life, yet said it is the right time to move on. He stated, “After the final, I took a lot of time to reflect, and I have decided to retire from the national team. This decision has saddened me and continues to do so, but I understand—this is the moment.” Messi emphasized his unwavering dedication to the Argentine jersey and his continual efforts to make fans proud throughout his career.
“I have always given my all. Not only in recent successful years, but from the very start, I fought for this jersey. Now, I do not have any more days left to give. The new generation of outstanding players is emerging, and they are the rightful owners of this place,” he added. Messi vowed that his love for the national team will never fade. “I loved the national team, I love it, and I always will. Now, I may not be on the field, but from outside, I will continue to support Argentina alongside you all,” he concluded.
