Lionel Messi Announces International Retirement: Argentina Great Calls Time on Illustrious Career

New Delhi, Aug 31: Lionel Messi on Monday (August 31) dropped the 'R-Bomb' as the Argentinian great announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary career for his country spanning more than 15 years and highlighted by the ultimate prize - the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Messi (39), widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, made his Argentina senior debut in 2005 and went on to become the country's most decorated and influential player.

"After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I'm retiring from the national team," Messi said in an emotional post.

"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment."

The decision marks the end of a remarkable international journey that included years of disappointment before Messi finally lifted major silverware with Argentina.

He reached the 2014 World Cup final but lost to Germany, while Argentina also suffered defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals. Messi briefly announced his international retirement after the 2016 loss to Chile, before returning to the national team.

His fortunes changed at the 2021 Copa America, when Argentina beat Brazil to give Messi his first major senior international trophy.

A year later, he achieved the biggest prize of all. Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, scoring seven goals and twice finding the net in a dramatic final against France before Argentina prevailed on penalties.

Messi also helped Argentina retain the Copa America title in 2024, further cementing his legacy with the national team.

Reflecting on his time in the Argentina shirt, Messi said he had always given everything to the cause.

"I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football," he said.

"There isn't much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don't have anything more to give."

Messi also pointed towards the next generation of Argentine players.

"Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here," he said.

Thanking the supporters, Messi said he would now experience the national team from the other side.

"Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I'll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones."

He also paid tribute to his family, coaches, teammates and directors who were part of his journey.

"I take with me unforgettable memories and moments," Messi said.

"I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!"

Messi ended his message with a tribute to his country: "Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!"

The Argentina great added that he had written the words shortly after the World Cup final but revisited his decision following a personal loss.

"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced of this decision than before," he said.

Messi's international career has been one of extraordinary highs and painful lows. He leaves Argentina having won the Copa America, the World Cup and established himself as one of the most influential players in the country's football history.