Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, according to espn.in. The decision, reported on Monday, brings an end to the forward's long-running tenure with the Argentina national team.
Espn.in broke the news of the 39-year-old's exit, with multiple outlets, including The Hindu and The New Indian Express, confirming the announcement. The reports indicate that Messi will no longer wear the Argentina jersey, a move that closes a storied chapter for one of the sport's most decorated players.
The announcement has triggered a wave of reactions from teammates and peers. Goal.com reports that Ángel Di María, a longtime Argentina teammate, paid tribute to Messi, thanking him in a public message. The outpouring underscores the significance of the decision, which comes after years of speculation about the veteran's future at the international level.
Messi's career with Argentina included numerous highs, from World Cup glory to multiple Copa América titles, though the specific details of his final match or the reasons for the timing were not included in the initial reports. The retirement marks a definitive shift for the national squad, which will now have to plan for a future without its iconic captain.
For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Argentina responds to the void left by Messi's departure, and whether any further statements from the player or the national federation clarify the path forward.
