Messi Retires From Argentina For Good

The 39-year-old made the announcement two days after Argentina's extra-time loss to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, with Messi stating that the death of his father, Jorge, earlier this month cemented his decision. This marks Messi's second retirement announcement, having previously stepped away in 2016 following a Copa América defeat before returning to lead Argentina to glory. orlando-books.blog

Messi, who will continue playing for Inter Miami, thanked Argentina's fans in an Instagram post: 'I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football.' His final match came at the same New Jersey stadium where he first announced his retirement a decade ago, creating a symbolic bookend to his international career.