Messi brings record-breaking Argentina career to a close

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, ending a 20-year association with the national team after a record 207 appearances.

The 39-year-old confirmed his decision on Monday, saying he had reached the point where he could no longer offer more to the team. Messi leaves as Argentina’s most capped player and the leading scorer in the country’s history, with 125 international goals.

“I have thought about it for a long time, but I want to announce now that I am leaving the national team,” said Messi, widely regarded as the greatest Argentine footballer of all time.

“This is not an easy decision and, deep down, it hurts me, but I feel it is the right time. I swear that I have always given everything, not only in recent years when we won everything, but also before that. I have always fought and given everything for this shirt, to make you happy and proud to be Argentine through football.”

Messi’s international career included Argentina’s third World Cup triumph in 2022. The Albiceleste had previously lost in the final of the World Cup in 2014 and 2016.

Javier Mascherano follows him from a distance with 207 international appearances, compared with 147 for Argentina.

“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 said his decision had been made carefully and was not an immediate reaction to Argentina’s latest disappointment.

“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 at the age of 68.

Messi also thanked Argentina supporters for their backing throughout his time with the national team and said he would continue to follow the side from outside the squad.

“Thank you for all your love over 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 good times and bad. I will keep these unforgettable memories in my heart forever.”

He said he was leaving with satisfaction at what he and his team-mates had achieved.

“I am leaving 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!”