BUENOS AIRES (AP) — What now for Argentina? Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the national team on Monday after a 21-year career, leaving behind a legacy of 125 goals and the 2022 World Cup title. As captain and talisman, his departure raises big questions about the future of a team that reached the World Cup final just six weeks ago. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” Messi wrote in an Instagram post. “Besides, there are young players coming up who deserve to be here.”
Messi made his senior debut in 2005, went on to become Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, and appeared in six World Cups. He holds the records for both the most games played (34) and most victories (23) in the history of the tournament.
At 39, the end of Messi’s international career was imminent. Yet, the official confirmation struck an emotional chord with teammates and fans alike — especially the younger generation who grew up watching him wear the Albiceleste colors.
“I was just a kid, calculating the age gap between us to see if I might one day get to play alongside you,” said 25-year-old midfielder Enzo Fernández, who debuted just months before the Qatar World Cup. “It’s hard for me to picture the next training camp without you — stepping onto the pitch and not seeing you up front in that No. 10 jersey. ... We’re going to miss you dearly, Captain.”
The search for an heir: Can Argentina’s inexhaustible talent pool produce another global megastar? The same question arose in 1994, when Diego Maradona’s time with the Albiceleste came to a traumatic end following a positive drug test.