Lionel Messi is hanging up his Argentina jersey for good, announcing his retirement from international soccer in an emotional message to fans.
Messi said Monday he’d spent weeks thinking about his future following Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final, ultimately deciding it was time to walk away from the national team. The 39-year-old said the decision “hurts me a lot,” but explained he’s proud of everything he experienced and accomplished with Argentina. He also said the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, made him even more certain about stepping away.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and leaves as the country’s all-time leader in appearances and goals, with 207 matches and 125 goals. The crown jewel came in 2022 when he captained Argentina to the World Cup title, finally grabbing the trophy that had eluded him for years. His last game in the famous blue and white came in this summer’s World Cup final against Spain.
Messi isn’t done playing altogether; he’s still with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract in MLS. He will now support Argentina from the other side as a fan.
