Lionel Messi has announced that he is retiring from international football, bringing an end to his involvement with the Argentina national team.
The Argentina great said the decision was one that “hurt”, but added that he understands “the time has come”. He also indicated he had “nothing left to give” at international level.
Messi’s announcement means he is stepping away from Argentina duty after a career in which he became one of the country’s defining football figures. The statement marks a significant moment for Argentina, with one of the most prominent players in the national team’s history confirming he will no longer represent his country.
The comments presented the retirement as a difficult but accepted decision rather than a sudden or disputed departure. Messi framed the move as the natural point at which to end his international role, despite the emotional weight of doing so.
No further details were provided in the supplied material about any immediate response from Argentina football authorities, team-mates or supporters. The latest position is that Messi has declared his international career over and has described the decision as painful but necessary.
