LIONEL Messi has ended his career as a player for the Argentine national team at 39, after nearly two decades representing the national side. Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026 losing to Spain. “It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deeply - but I understand that the time has come,” Messi said on his official Instagram account. “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. Messi’s journey included World Cup final defeats in 2014 and again this summer, with the loss to Spain in July proving to be a significant moment in his decision-making process.

 

Messi revealed that the words announcing his retirement had originally been written shortly after the final before the death of his father, Jorge, made him even more certain about bringing his international career to a close. “I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more convinced than before,” read the statement from Messi on Instagram. The Argentine great said the passage of time and the emergence of a new generation of players also played a role in his decision to leave the national team. “There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give. Besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve their opportunity.”