GUWAHATI: Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable two-decade-long career with Argentina.
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The 39-year-old Argentine superstar confirmed his decision on Monday, August 31, saying he had made the call two days after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Messi also revealed that the death of his father earlier this month became a major factor in his decision to step away from international football. He said he had already written his retirement note on July 21.
Calling the decision a difficult one, Messi said it hurts to walk away from the Argentina shirt, but he felt he had nothing more to give and believed it was time to make way for the younger generation.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing for Argentina, but I have nothing more left to give. It’s time for me to step aside,” Messi said, adding that he was leaving the national team “in peace.”
Messi’s international career has spanned nearly two decades, during which he became Argentina’s most iconic player and led the team to major international honours.
He will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine,” Messi wrote, signing off with another message to the national team: “Let’s go, Argentina!”