Argentina football icon Lionel Messi is call time on his international football call..
The 2022 Qatar world Cup-winning captain announced his retirement through Instagram on Monday, August 31, admitting the decision “hurt” him but “the time has come.”
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is country’s iconic and most capable player with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
Addressing his fans this Monday, Messi wrote that he has given everything to make the nation proud to be Argentine through football but now he has “nothing left to give.”
Messi shared that he wrote these words two days after Argentina lost 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on July 21st.
“Today, after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than ever,” he noted.
“There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,” he added. “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.”
The world cup champion noted that young players are emerging you deserved to be under the spotlight. Moreover, he sends gratitude to his fans, family, coach, aand teammates for giving him love and support over 20 years.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of knowing that, together with my teammates, I gave you moments you had dreamed of,” he concluded. “It was crazy to have lived through all of this with you. I love you!”
