Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina at the age of 39, bringing an end to a record-breaking career with the national team after 207 appearances.
The Argentina superstar confirmed his decision on Monday, saying he had given everything to the country’s famous blue-and-white shirt and believed the time was right to step aside.
“I have thought about it for a long time, but I want to announce now that I am leaving the national team,” Messi said.
“It is not an easy decision and, deep down, it hurts me, but I feel this is the right moment. I swear that I have always given everything, not only in recent years when we won everything, but also before. I have always fought and given everything for this shirt, to make you happy and proud to be Argentine through football.”
Messi is widely regarded as the greatest footballer Argentina has produced and his international record is unmatched. He is the leading scorer in the country’s history with 125 goals and is also its most-capped player.
Javier Mascherano follows him in the appearance rankings with 147 caps, while Messi’s total stands at 207.
The forward’s greatest achievement with Argentina came at the 2022 World Cup, when he helped the nation win its third world title. The Albiceleste had previously lost in the final in 2014 and 2016.
“Several chapters are coming to an end. This one affects me deeply. I loved being part of the national team and I will always love it. I gave everything, and I have nothing more to offer. Talented young players are coming through and deserve their place,” Messi added.
Messi said his decision had been made carefully and was not a reaction taken immediately after Argentina’s most recent defeat.
“I wrote these words on 21 July, two days after our defeat in the final. Today, especially after what happened to my father, I am even more convinced of this decision than I was then.”
His father, Jorge Messi, died at the beginning of August aged 68.
The retiring forward also thanked Argentina supporters for their backing during two decades with the national side, saying he would now support the team from outside the squad.
“Thank you for all your love during these 20 years. I will miss you at the stadium. From now on, I will be one of you. I will support you from afar, in the good times and the bad. I will keep these unforgettable memories in my heart forever.”
Messi said he was leaving with a sense of fulfilment after sharing achievements with his team-mates that had once seemed like dreams.
“I leave with a feeling of peace and pride, knowing that with my team-mates we gave you moments that we dreamed of. It was incredible to experience all of this with you. I love you! I thank God for being born Argentine... Vamos Argentina!”