Lionel Messi Retires from the Argentina National Team
Argentina's star footballer Lionel Messi announced that he has ended his 21-year national team career.
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi announced at the age of 39 that he is ending his international football career. The star player, who recorded 125 goals in 207 matches throughout his 21-year national team journey, had crowned his career with the 2022 World Cup victory.
He Concludes His National Team Career
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi announced in an announcement made on Monday that he has officially concluded his international football career. In his social media post, he stated that this decision deeply hurt him, but he understood that the time had come.
He Achieved Hard-to-Break Records
Messi took to the field in a total of 207 matches wearing the Argentina jersey. With the 125 goals he scored in these matches, he earned the title of his country's all-time top scorer, while recording 21 of these goals in World Cup competitions.
Turning Points of His Career
Competing in a record-breaking six different World Cups throughout his career, the star player lifted the trophy at the tournament held in Qatar in 2022. He also led his team to the finals in 2014 and most recently in the final match lost against Spain.
He Will Continue His Club Career
The 39-year-old footballer, who announced his departure from the national team, stated that he will continue to play football at the club level under the jersey of Inter Miami, a team from the US Major League Soccer.
Widespread Praise Received
Following Messi's decision, messages full of praise were shared by Argentine President Javier Milei, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the Argentine Football Association, and his teammates.