Messi will continue playing in the league
Lionel Messi Retires, New Delhi: Argentine football legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday. He bid goodbye to the game through an emotional post on social media. A few months after losing the final against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Messi said now is the right time to bid farewell. He shared a handwritten statement on his Instagram.
Lionel Messi became emotional during his retirement
While announcing his retirement, Messi said that a lot of time has passed since the final. He wrote, “After much thought, I would like to announce that I am retiring from the national team. It is a decision that saddens me deeply.”
He added, “I think this is the right time. I have always worked hard, not only in the last few years when we won everything, but also before. I have always fought for this jersey to make you happy and to be proud of Argentina.”
Thank you for your love and support
Messi said, “There is not much time left and all chapters are ending. It is a chapter that makes me feel very sad. I loved being in the national team and always will. I gave my all and now I have nothing left to give.”
He said, “I have some great young players coming up behind me and they deserve to be there. Thank you for your love and support these 20 years. Now I will miss listening to you all from the inside. Now I will be one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside.”
Argentina wins the Football World Cup in 2022
Messi is the player who has scored the most goals and played the most matches in his country. He debuted for Argentina in 2005 and played in 6 World Cups. In 2022, he led Argentina to the World Cup in Qatar, which was his country's third World Cup.
Messi ended a 36-year drought and also ended Argentina's 28-year trophy drought by winning the Copa America in 2021. He is the male player with the most goals in the history of South American football. Currently, Messi plays for Inter Miami in club football.