Lionel Messi retires from Argentina duty after 20-year career
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at age 39, concluding a record-breaking 20-year career with the national team, the forward said on social media.
The decision comes less than two months after the World Cup final. In a farewell statement posted online, the veteran playmaker noted that he had given everything to the national squad and that the time had come to step aside for emerging talent.
“I have given everything for the national team over the past 20 years and have nothing left to give, but there are many wonderful young players who deserve their chance,” Messi said, thanking fans, coaches, teammates, and his family for their long-standing support.
A Record-Breaking International Career
Messi made his senior debut for Argentina in August 2005 under former manager José Néstor Pékerman. Over the next two decades, he earned 207 caps, scored 125 goals, and provided 68 assists—all three figures establishing all-time national records.
The forward led Argentina to global glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, cementing his legacy alongside two Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima trophy against European champions Italy.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
