LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 20-year career with the national team.

In an emotional statement, Messi said the decision was painful but acknowledged that the time had come to close the chapter.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he had always given everything for the Argentina shirt, adding that his greatest motivation was to bring joy to supporters and make Argentinians proud through football.

Messi, who helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, said he felt he had nothing more to give and believed younger players deserved the opportunity to represent the country.

He thanked his family, coaches, teammates and team officials for accompanying him throughout his journey, describing his time with the national team as a collection of unforgettable memories.

Messi revealed that he had written the statement on July 21, two days after the final, but said recent events involving his father had strengthened his decision to retire.

He ended his message with a declaration of love for Argentina and thanked God for making him Argentine.

“Go Argentina!” Messi wrote.