Football
oi-Ashish Rana
The Greatest Of All Time, Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international career with Argentina, after 21-years marvellous career. In his 21 years of career, Messi came through a lot of disappointment before winning 2022 Football World Cup. The GOAT player of Football history, announced his retirement on Monday in an emotional statement on social media.
Lionel Messi retired from Argentina’s national team on Monday, stating he had nothing left to give after losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain on July 19, ending his 21-year international career which included winning the 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup, and 2024 Copa América.
This announcement came after Argentina lost 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain. Messi while announcing his retirement said he had “nothing left to give” and said now it’s time for new generation to take over.
Messi Confirms Argentina Retirement After World Cup Final
Messi also revealed that he decided shortly after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in World Cup final on 19 July. He said he even wrote his retirement on 21 July itself but waited to publish it.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team…It was a decision that hurt-and still hurts deep down-but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote.
He said that his commitment to Argentina extended far beyond the team’s recent successes.
From World Cup Heartbreak To Argentina Glory
Messi started his international career in 2005 and it included difficult periods specially after Argentina lost 2014 World Cup final and later many finals in upcoming years. Then his successful years started by winning 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
The 2026 World Cup was his sixth appearance in the tournament. In 2026, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists for Argentina reaching to finals.
Father’s Death Strengthened Messi’s Decision
Messi also mentioned his father, Jorge Messi’s death at 68 in August confirmed his decision of retirement. His father had a major influence on his career and he worked as his agent for long time.
After his father’s death, Messi had already shared his doubts of playing and later he said that it cemented his decision for stepping from Argentina.
