Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, describing the decision as one that “hurt” but acknowledging that “the time has come.”
The 36-year-old Argentina forward made the announcement through a statement shared on social media, ending a 17-year international career that included 175 caps and 81 goals.
Messi’s international career reached its pinnacle in 2022 when he captained Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar, lifting the trophy in his home country of Qatar after a dramatic 3-3 draw and penalty shootout win against France in the final.
The statement confirmed that Messi feels his international journey has reached its natural conclusion. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized that while the decision was difficult, it was one he felt compelled to make.
Analysis:
The timing of Messi’s retirement announcement comes shortly after Argentina’s historic World Cup triumph, which many viewed as the crowning achievement of his international career. The victory provided a fitting conclusion to a journey that began when Messi was just 18 years old in 2005.
Messi’s decision to step away from international football represents a significant moment in modern sports history. His 175 caps place him among the most-capped players in history, while his 81 goals rank him as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer. The announcement also marks the end of an era for a generation of players who defined international football throughout the 2010s and early 2020s.
Sources:
– BBC News World: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ceq89y38elro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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Story synopsis gathered from: BBC News World — source
