Lionel Messi retires from Argentina duty: 39-year-old bows out after defeat in World Cup final to Spain – just a few weeks after his father passed away

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final to Spain last month.

The 39-year-old revealed on Monday afternoon that he made the decision to retire two days after the 1-0 defeat in the final on 19 July, citing it was ‘the right’ time’.

Messi then added in a note at the bottom of a statement that the death of his father Jorge at the start of the month made him ‘even more convinced than before’ about his decision.

His statement on Instagram read: ‘After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team…

‘It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, to my core, but I understand that it’s the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football.’

Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 as an 18-year-old, going on to earn over 200 caps for his country, and captainied the nation to their third World Cup triumph in 2022.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina duty after 21 years in the team

The attacker netted 125 goals in the famous blue and white, eight of which came during the World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, while he also won two Copa America titles.

But after 21 years of playing international football, Messi stated ‘I have nothing more to give’ and that he believes there are plenty of ‘great young players’ ready in line to replace him.

He continued: ‘Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you all from the inside so much. Now I’m going to be just one of you, cheering and supporting you from the sidelines (in good times and bad, even more so).

‘Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to each and every one of the coaches, teammates, and managers I had the privilege of working with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

‘I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, along with my teammates, dreamlike moments. It was incredible to have experienced it with you all. I love you!

‘Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian. Go Argentina!’

** More to follow.**