Lionel Messi announces international retirement from Argentina duty | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has announced his international retirement from Argentina duty, ending a 207-cap, 125-goal career for his country. He made the decision public on Monday, weeks after defeat in the World Cup final and the death of his father and agent, Jorge Messi.

The player said in an Instagram post that the choice still hurts deeply, but he feels it is the right time to step away. He added that he has given everything to the national team and that outstanding young players now merit opportunities.

He had been beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra time in the 2014 World Cup final. At his last international tournament he scored eight goals, including a hat-trick, as Argentina reached the final. Spain won 1-0 after extra time on 19 July in New York.

Now 39 and playing for Inter Miami in the United States, Messi had first retired from Argentina duty in 2016, then returned for the 2018 World Cup and went on to triumph in Qatar four years later. He was recently deeply affected by the death of his father at 68 and said in mid August he did not see himself playing for much longer.

His Argentina honours, besides the World Cup, include Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, Olympic gold in 2008, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2005 Under-20 World Cup. Those achievements have reinforced his status in the Argentine football pantheon alongside Diego Maradona.

Source: Le Progres

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