Lionel Messi calls time on glittering international career with Argentina

Messi captained his country to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar in 2002 before leading Argentina to another World Cup final this year, but lost 1-0 to Spain after extra-time.

He also won two Copa America trophies with Argentina in 2021 and 2025 while he is won the FIFA Ballon d'Or award eight times in his career.

He made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005 and made 207 appearances, scoring 125 goals, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

Earlier in August, Messi said he was considering his future in football after the death of his father, Jorge, who died aged 68 following a a long illness.

Messi released a statement on social media, confirming his decision, writing: "Today, after what happened to my father, I am even more convinced than before.

"After all this time since the final, after thinking about it a lot, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from international football...

"It is a decision that hurt me and still hurts me deep down, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear to you that I have always given everything. Not only in these past few years when we won everything, but before that too.

"I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football.

"There is little time left and the chapters are gradually closing. This one is especially painful for me. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I have given everything, I have nothing left to give, and behind me there are great young players coming through who deserve to be there.

"Thank you for all the love you have given me over these 20 years. I am going to miss hearing your support from the inside enormously. From now on, I will be one of you, cheering and supporting the team from the outside, in the good times and the bad, and even more so in the bad.

"Thank you to my family for always being there and for accompanying me on this journey that was as beautiful as it was difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I had the good fortune to meet. I leave with unforgettable memories and moments lived.

"I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we had dreamed of. It was crazy to live all of this with you.

"I love you!

"Thank you my God for making me Argentine. VAMOS ARGENTINA!"

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