🎧
Listen to this article
Argentine football icon Lionel Messi announced on Monday that he is officially retiring from international football, following his team’s appearance in a second consecutive World Cup final in July.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” the 39-year-old written on Instagram.
“I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he added.
Messi famously captained Argentina to World Cup victory against France in a dramatic penalty shootout in Doha at the 2022 tournament, before leading his country to a runner-up finish following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 final.
Following the passing of his father, Jorge, in August, Messi previously admitted to having “serious doubts” about continuing to play professional football for “much longer.”
The legendary forward remains under contract with Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 season.
No Comments