Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina National Team

Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his career with the national team after more than two decades.

Messi made the announcement in a social media post at 9:05pm Bangladesh time on Monday. In an emotional open letter, the Argentine star said he had made the decision after careful consideration and that the time had come to step away from the national team.

Messi said the decision was extremely difficult, but he felt he had given everything he could for Argentina. He recalled fighting for the national team jersey throughout his career and trying to make Argentinians proud through football.

“I love, have loved and will always love playing for the national team,” Messi wrote, adding that there is now a new generation of talented young players ready to take their place in the squad.

The 39-year-old also thanked Argentine fans for their support over the past 20 years, saying he would miss hearing their voices from the pitch. He said he would now support the national team from outside, standing by the players in both good and difficult moments.

Messi expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates and officials who accompanied him throughout his career, saying he would leave with countless memories and unforgettable moments.

The Argentine captain said he was leaving with peace and pride after helping his teammates deliver some of the dream moments the country had long hoped for.

“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine,” Messi wrote before ending his message with a passionate: “Vamos Argentina!”

Messi revealed that he had originally written the letter on July 21, two days after the final. He said recent events involving his father had made him even more certain that retiring was the right decision.