Argentina’s Lionel Messi retires from international football: ‘This hurts me a lot’

Argentina great’s last game was in World Cup finalPlayer’s father Jorge passed away earlier in AugustLionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina duty after winning 207 caps. The 39-year-old, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, won the World Cup in 2022 and was a runner-up this summer and in 2014. He also secured two Copa América titles.Messi wrote in a statement: “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. Continue reading...