Lionel Messi, Argentina football icon, has made known his retirement from international football, saying, he has “nothing left to give”.
The Captain of Major League Soccer (MLS) Club, Inter Miami, has netted 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina. This feat makes him the White and Sky Blues’ all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
Via a statement on Instagram, Messi announced: “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 it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.”
The 39-year old forward said, he is “more convinced” concerning his retirement decision following the passing of his father and agent, Jorge Messi. Jorge guided his son, Lionel, from his childhood in Rosario through his historic time at Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami.
Messi said, his retirement message was written on 21 July, 2026, just two (2) days after his country lost to Spain in this summer’s World Cup 2026 final.
The statement continues: “Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced than before.”
The player recorded his debut for the White and Sky Blues in a 2-1 win in a friendly against Hungary as a 63rd-minute substitute. He went ahead to emerge one of the all-time greats, winning the World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina
Messi, who won the FIFA World 2022 in Qatar with Argentina, will continue his career at club level with American Club, Inter Miami. The forward’s contract with The Herons keeps him at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida until the 2028 season.
He is the second highest goalscorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup with twenty-one (21) goals, behind Kylian Mbappe of France, who has twenty-two (22); and second for goals in all international matches, scoring 125 goals, behind his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, who has 146.
