Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Argentine maestro Lionel Messi has said he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July.
He made the announcement on Monday in a statement shared on his official Instagram handle.
According to Messi, he has given everything to the national side but now has “nothing left to give”.
He added: “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.
”I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.
”I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.”
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Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory by winning the 2022 final against France in a penalty shootout in Doha, but his side lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 final.
Following the death of his father, Jorge, in August, the 39-year-old said he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football of any sort for “much longer”.
Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him his country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
