Online Sports Desk
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international duty with Argentina after winning 207 caps.
Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, won the World Cup in 2022 and was a runner-up this summer and in 2014. He also secured two Copa América titles.
He wrote in a statement: “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, some great young players are coming up who deserve to be here.”
The 39-year-old said after the death of his father, Jorge, this month that he had “quite a few doubts about whether I’m going to keep doing it for much longer”.
He finishes his career as the second leading World Cup goalscorer behind Kylian Mbappe after the pair each surpassed Miroslav Klose’s record tally during the tournament.
