Lionel Messi retires from the Argentina national team

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer, confirming the decision to step away from the Argentina national team after two decades of service. The veteran captain released a statement explaining that he felt he had exhausted his capacity to contribute to the squad. Messi composed the letter on July 21, two days following his final appearance for the team. He cited a combination of the physical toll and recent personal family matters as the primary factors behind his conclusion to end his career with the Albiceleste. While the forward plans to exit the international stage, he expressed his intention to continue supporting the team as a fan from the stands. He formally thanked his family, coaching staff, and former teammates for their collective efforts over his twenty-year tenure with the national side.

• 3:20 PMYahoo Sports — 🥺 I’ve nothing left to give: Messi’s emotional farewell letter