Breaking: Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football
by Adenle Ahmed Abiola · The Eagle OnlineLionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 20-year journey with the Argentina national team to an end.
Fabrizio Romano posted on X on Monday that Messi had released a statement announcing his decision, with the Argentine superstar revealing that he had given the matter considerable thought before deciding to retire from the national team.
Messi said: “After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team…
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.
“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too.
“I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end.
“This is one that hurts me a lot.
“I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team.
“I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.
“Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.
“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years.
“I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside.
“Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.
“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey.
“Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with.
“I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of.
“It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!
“Thank you God for making me Argentine.
“Vamos Argentina!
“I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final.
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“Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before.”
Messi has played 207 matches for Argentina, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists.
He stands as Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer and most-capped player.
His major international honours with Argentina include the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions, the 2008 Olympic gold medal and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Messi also won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2014 and 2022, becoming the only player to win the award twice, while he claimed the Copa América Golden Ball in 2015 and 2021.
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