By By Ken Gbuie
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international
football with Argentina after earning 207 caps, saying he has given everything
he had and now believes the time has come to end his national-team career.
Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, won the World
Cup in 2022 and was a runner-up in 2026 and 2014. He also won two Copa América
titles during his international career.
In a statement, Messi said the decision had been painful but
that he understood the time had come to step away.
“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down –
but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it
my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before
that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to
bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
He said his attachment to the national team remained strong
but that his career with Argentina had reached its end.
“Time is fleeting, chapters come to an end, and this is one
that deeply affects me. I love, have loved, and will always cherish being part
of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to
offer, and moreover, there are some exceptional young players emerging who
deserve this opportunity.”
The 39-year-old also said the death of his father, Jorge,
this month had left him with considerable doubts about whether he would
continue playing internationally for much longer.
Messi also spoke about the physical difficulties he faced
during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain in July.
“My legs could no longer continue,” he said. “This time I
attempted to push myself beyond my physical limits, but I was unable to.”
Messi's international career began in 2005 and included two
World Cup final appearances, with Argentina winning the tournament in 2022. He
also helped the country secure two Copa América titles.
The forward currently plays for Inter Miami, where his
contract runs until 2028.
His retirement brings an end to a 207-cap international
career with Argentina.
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