Sport · Malaysia Bureau
Messi ends storied international career after Argentina's World Cup run
The Argentine football legend, 39, has announced his retirement from international play following his country's appearance in a second consecutive World Cup final in July. The decision marks the end of an era for one of the sport's greatest players.
LSN Malaysia ·
Lionel Messi has drawn the curtain on his international football career, concluding a remarkable journey that saw him lead Argentina to the World Cup final this year. The 39-year-old's announcement comes after he captained the South American nation through an impressive campaign that resulted in a runner-up finish on the global stage.
Messi's decision to step away from international duty reflects the natural conclusion of a career spanning nearly two decades at the highest level of world football. His leadership of Argentina to successive World Cup finals in recent years has cemented his legacy as one of the sport's defining figures, bridging generations of fans across Asia and beyond.
The retirement from international football does not affect Messi's club career, where he continues to compete at the professional level. His departure from Argentina's squad marks the end of a significant chapter in both his own career and in the country's football history, as the national team looks toward rebuilding its squad for future competitions.