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Two days after scoring a stunning four goals in Inter Miami’s 7-1 victory over CF Montreal, Lionel Messi announced Monday that he is retiring from international play.
“Now that some time has passed since the final, having thought it over carefully, I want to tell you all that I am retiring from the national team,” he said Monday.
In a post, the 2022 World Cup champion made the long anticipated move official.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,” Messi wrote six weeks after his Argentina were defeated 1-0 in overtime at the 2026 World Cup Final by Spain. “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team,” he added.
Playing it forward, the 39-year-old Miami captain continued: “I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.”
Messi was also the leader of Argentina’s national team this year in what was his sixth appearance at a World Cup. Stunning fans globally and in North American stadiums this past summer with eight goals and four assists after 15 years leading the South American team, Messi became the all-time World Cup goal scorer for a short-time during the tournament. Ultimately, like the World Cup trophy itself, that title was denied to him as France’s Kylian Mbappe moved into the top spot with 22 goals.
“The pain is immense and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote online soon after the loss to Spain, a loss that was further stained by surly and violent behavior by his teammates after the match itself.
With his $75 million annual current contract set to run to the end of the 2028 season, Messi will continue to play for the Florida-based and partially David Beckham-owned team. Messi’s Miami deal also provides him with equity in the organization.
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Dominic Patten
Almontather Rassoul
