BREAKING: Messi retires from international football after 21 years

Argentina Legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina after an illustrious career with the South American nation.

The 39-year-old, secured a total of 207 appearances won the World Cup in 2022 and was a runner-up in 2026 and in 2014. He also secured two Copa América titles.

Messi wrote in a sad statement to his teammates: “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come.

“I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.

“I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

Messi had previously retired from international football in June 2016, after a bad run of final losses in the World Cup and Copa America, he later rejoined the team in August of the same year.

The Argentina maestro who secured a total of 207 appearances, three World Cup finals is widely regarded by fans across the world as the greatest footballer ever.