DID Press: Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending a historic 21-year career with Argentina after the 39-year-old captain led the national team through one of the most successful periods in its history.
Messi said the decision was difficult and painful, but that he believes the time has come to step aside and make room for a new generation of talented Argentine players.
The forward said he had made the decision on July 21, two days after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, but delayed making it public. The death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August reinforced his decision to retire from international football.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and leaves the national team as its record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals, according to Reuters. He won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima with Argentina.
The retirement applies to international football; Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami CF.
Messi also leaves international football as an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, the most in the history of the award.