Farewell to a Legend: Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina Duty After 20 Years

Star footballer Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 20-year journey with the Argentina national team. The decision comes after Argentina’s loss in the World Cup final, with Messi saying he feels it is time to step away and make room for the next generation.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Messi wrote: “I love, loved, and will always love being on the national team. I’ve given everything; I have nothing more to give. Besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.”

Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, became the world’s most decorated player and led them to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

He added: “Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from inside the team a lot. Now I’m going to be just one more of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside (in good times and bad, even more so).”

There had been speculation about Messi’s international future following the death of his father. He revealed that he had written the retirement message on 21 July, two days after the final, but said recent events had made him even more certain about his decision.

“I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final,” he said. “Today, after what happened to my dad, I’m even more convinced than before.”

Messi leaves Argentina with unforgettable memories and a long list of achievements. He has won the Ballon d’Or eight times and the European Golden Shoe six times. He also won the World Cup Golden Ball in 2014 and 2022. His club career includes four Champions League titles, 10 La Liga titles and two Ligue 1 titles. He also won Olympic gold in 2008.

Messi scored 672 goals for Barcelona, including 474 in La Liga, and 91 official goals in 2012, a Guinness World Record. He has now surpassed 900 official career goals, in one of football’s greatest careers.

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