Soccer star Lionel Messi has provided major details about his future. He has announced his retirement from international competition.
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Messi, 39, announced the news with a post on Instagram. He wrote that he had written a message in June, two days after the FIFA World Cup Final loss to Spain.
The message remained true after his father, Jorge, passed away at the age of 68 on Aug. 8.
"After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team," Messi wrote on Instagram.
"It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come. 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.
"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.
"Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I'll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad — especially the bad).
"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey — so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I've shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!
"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine."
Messi is an icon of the sport, especially in his home country of Argentina. He has served as captain of the team many times, and he has achieved considerable success.
Messi is the country's all-time leading scorer with 124 goals in 203 games played. He also led Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022 after coming out of international retirement.
Messi also helped Argentina win the Copa America trophy in both 2021 and 2024.
