Argentina's captain Lionel Messi announces his international retirement after a glittering career

New York, August 31 (KUNA) -- Argentina national football team captain Lionel Messi announced on Monday his retirement from international football, ending a victorious career spanning nearly two decades. In a message posted on his Instagram account, Messi said the decision was “painful” and that the time had come to close this chapter, adding that throughout his tenure with the national team he had given his all to delight fans and make them proud of their Argentine identity through football.

Messi added, “I loved, and will always love, representing the national team... I have given everything I have, and it is now time for other great players to step up and take on this role.”

He expressed his gratitude to Argentine fans for the love and support they had shown him over the past 20 years, saying he would miss hearing their cheers from inside the stadium and that from now on he would be one of them, cheering for and supporting the national team through thick and thin.

Messi thanked his family for their unwavering support and companionship throughout his career, which he described as “both beautiful and difficult,” and thanked all the coaches, teammates, and captains he had worked with, affirming that he would carry with him unforgettable memories and moments.

He concluded his message by noting that he had written his retirement statement on July 21, two days after the final, before deciding to announce it today, adding that he felt more convinced of his decision now than he had been at that time.

Messi began his international career with the senior Argentina national team in 2005, during which he won numerous titles, most notably the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Copa América in 2021 and 2024. He also led his country to victory in the 2022 Intercontinental Cup (Finalissima), setting numerous records throughout his international career. (End)