Argentina' Messi Retires From International Football
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is Argentina's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals, Al Jazeera reported.
“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come,” the 39-year-old Messi wrote on Instagram on Monday.
Messi said he had always given his best for the national team and believed the time had come for younger players to take his place.
Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in this year's World Cup final, denying Messi a second World Cup title and a winning farewell.
Messi endured several disappointments with Argentina, including losing the 2014 World Cup final and two Copa America finals. He eventually won his first major international trophy at the 2021 Copa America before guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.
He also helped Argentina win another Copa America title in 2024.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and leaves the national team having established himself as one of the greatest players in football history.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward currently plays for Inter Miami, where his contract runs until the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer season.
sa
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos,
licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues
related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment