Messi Retires from International Football After Historic Career

Lionel Messi, the Argentina captain, announced his retirement from international football, stating, “I leave in peace, I gave it my all,” as reported by football journalist Fabrizio Romano. Messi, who is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances, will play his final match against Benin Republic, marking his 208th appearance.

His international career began in 2005 and included significant achievements, such as winning the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. A special ceremony is planned at the Monumental, with over 85,000 supporters expected to attend.

The Argentina Football Association has invited members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families, and Argentina will wear a commemorative kit for the match. In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, remains an active member of the Portugal national team but has not confirmed his retirement, leaving uncertainty about his future with the team.