Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, has announced his retirement from the Argentine national team after a distinguished career spanning almost two decades. The renowned player, who participated in six World Cups, secured victory in the 2022 Qatar tournament and guided Argentina to the 2026 final, where they were defeated by Spain.
Expressing his emotions on his official Instagram account, Messi stated, “It was a painful decision, one that continues to deeply affect me, but I realize that the time has arrived. I promise you that I always gave my best—not only during our recent successful years but also in the past; I consistently fought and exerted myself on the field for this jersey, aiming to bring happiness and pride to all Argentinians through the sport of football.”