Lionel Messi has officially announced the end of his international career with the Argentina national team. In a message posted on social media, the football legend stated that this was an incredibly difficult and painful decision for him, but that the time has come to step away.
The 39-year-old forward has played for the national team since 2005, making 207 appearances and scoring 125 goals. Messi reached incredible heights with the national side, winning the World Cup title in 2022 and becoming a two-time Copa América champion. He is also a two-time World Cup runner-up.
According to the footballer, he has already given all his strength and has nothing more to offer the team. He emphasized the importance of the young talents playing in the national team who are ready to continue his work. Messi admitted that his farewell letter was prepared as early as July 21, days after the World Cup final. His final decision was heavily influenced by the death of his father, Jorge Messi, after which he became resolute in his decision.
This decision by Messi concludes an entire football era built on perseverance and unreserved dedication to the national team. It is difficult to imagine the Argentina national team without the captain, whose name has become a source of inspiration for generations.
It is clear that his father's death served as the psychological turning point that shifted the player's priorities. Now, the national team faces a new challenge: building a squad without its main leader, which will be a major test for the young roster.
