Lionel Messi retires from international football following storied Argentina career

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, leaving the Argentina squad as its all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. The announcement follows a decade defined by major trophy wins, including the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. This exit marks a definitive end to an international tenure that nearly concluded early in 2016. Following a loss in the 2016 Copa America final, Messi initially declared his intent to leave the national side before reversing that decision weeks later. Over the next 10 years, he made an additional 94 appearances and scored 70 goals, securing his legacy within the national program. Despite past public criticism regarding his leadership and performance in major tournaments, Messi departs as a central figure in Argentina's recent international success.

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