Lionel Messi has officially retired from the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old shared an emotional farewell message on social media. He said the decision hurt deep in his soul. Messi leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 125 goals in 207 matches. His career with Argentina lasted more than twenty years.
However, Messi's journey was not always filled with praise. For years, he faced fierce criticism from fans in his own country. People questioned his love for the national team jersey. Some even said he cared more about Barcelona than Argentina. He lost four major finals before finally winning a trophy.
Everything changed when Argentina won the 2021 Copa América. It was the country's first major title in 28 years. Then came the unforgettable 2022 World Cup victory against France. Messi was the undisputed star of that tournament. Those triumphs turned him from a doubted player into a beloved hero.
Messi's farewell note reveals that the old wounds have not fully healed. He had previously retired in 2016 after losing a third straight final. He reversed that decision and came back even stronger. His resilience through years of criticism is perhaps his greatest legacy. If he had given up, the world would have missed his greatest achievements.
