Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old soccer legend, has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. His decision comes more than three weeks after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at 68 following an illness. Messi's final match for Argentina was this year's World Cup Final, held at MetLife Stadium, where the team lost to Spain. Messi confirmed his retirement in an Instagram post featuring a handwritten message dated July 21, two days after the World Cup Final loss.
"Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever," Messi wrote in Spanish. He explained that the decision, while painful, felt like the right time as his career chapters close. Messi, who continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, holds the records for most goals scored (125) and most appearances (207) for Argentina.
"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts to my core, but I understand that it’s the right time," Messi stated in his post. He expressed his unwavering commitment to the national team throughout his career, emphasizing that he always gave his all to bring pride to Argentinians through football. Messi also acknowledged the emergence of promising young players who deserve opportunities.
"There’s not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me a lot," Messi wrote. "I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I’ve given everything; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there." ![Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, holds his son's