Messi Retires from Argentina National Team After 20 Years

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, stating he has “nothing more to give” after a 20-year international career. The announcement was made in an emotional letter posted on his Instagram reel on Monday.

Messi revealed that he reached this decision shortly after the final match and was further convinced following the death of his father. He described the decision as painful but believed it was the right time to end his international career.

Messi, 39, emphasized that he had always given his best for Argentina, including during challenging years before recent successes. He acknowledged the emergence of younger players who deserve opportunities on the national team.

Messi thanked supporters for their unwavering affection over the years and expressed his intention to continue supporting the team from the outside. He concluded his statement by thanking God for making him Argentine and signed off with “Vamos Argentina!” He originally wrote the statement on July 21, two days after the final.