GUWAHATI — Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, August 31, bringing to a close nearly two decades with Argentina after a storied national-team career.
The 39-year-old confirmed he made the decision two days after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain and said his father’s death earlier this month was a major factor. Messi also revealed he had written his retirement note on July 21.
Calling the choice a difficult one, Messi said it pains him to walk away from the Argentina shirt but that he felt he had “nothing more to give” and it was time to make way for the younger generation. “I’ve always enjoyed playing for Argentina, but I have nothing more left to give. It’s time for me to step aside,” he said, adding he was leaving the national team “in peace.”
Messi’s international career spanned almost 20 years, during which he became Argentina’s most iconic player and helped lead the team to major international honours. He will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Signing off, Messi wrote, “Thank you, God, for making me Argentine,” and offered one last rallying cry to the squad: “Let’s go, Argentina!” The announcement marks the end of an era for Argentine football and starts a new chapter focused solely on his club career.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/international/thank-you-god-for-making-me-argentine-lionel-messi-retires-from-international-football
Category: International
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Publish Date: 2026-08-31 23:19:00
