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BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi brought down the curtain on his extraordinary international career on Monday (Aug 31), announcing his retirement soon after inspiring Argentina to within one victory of a second successive World Cup triumph.
Lionel Messi on Monday announced his retirement from international soccer.
MIAMI: Lionel Messi said on Monday he was retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July. The 39-year-old forward who won the World Cup in 2022 and dragged his nation to the final in the United States only to lose to Spain, said the decision had been painful. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he added. Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago by winning the final against France in a penalty shootout in Doha, but his side lost 1-0 to a superior Spain side in the 2026 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Following the death of his father Jorge in August, Messi had said he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football of any sort for “much longer.” “I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer,” he said then. Messi’s contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season. In this year’s finals, Messi inspired Argentina to another final by scoring eight goals and provided two assists in the dramatic late comeback against England in the semifinals. But the dream of lifting the trophy again proved one match too far as the South Americans lost to Spain in the MetLife Stadium. Messi was pictured in tears after receiving his loser’s medal.
BUENOS AIRES, Aug 31 : Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday.
Final Piala Dunia 2026 jadi laga terakhir Lionel Messi bersama Timnas Argentina. Messi baru saja mengumumkan pensiun dari Albiceleste.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect.
Lionel Messi has ended his career as a player for the Argentine national team at 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing the national side.