Published on Aug 31:
NEW Delhi: Football superstar Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday. The 39-year-old revealed the decision in a statement posted on his official Instagram account, confirming that he would no longer wear the Argentina jersey after one of the most celebrated international careers in football history.
With the announcement a 20-year career that included a World Cup triumph, two Copa América titles and a record 207 appearances for his country came to an end. In the statement Messai said, “After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team."
Messi said the decision had been painful, particularly because of the emotional bond he has shared with the national team and Argentina's supporters throughout his career.
Having made his senior Argentina debut in 2005, Messi experienced both the highest and most difficult moments of international football. He led his country to the World Cup title in 2022 after years of near misses and also helped Argentina win two Copa América crowns.
Messi’s international career
• Total Matches: 207 (Senior National Team)
• Goals Scored: 125 international goals.
• Assists: 46 assists provided.
PHOTO COURTESY: FIFA