Messi Retires from International Football After 207 Caps, Leaving Argentina in Mourning
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football at age 39, ending a 21-year career with 207 caps and 125 goals for Argentina. The decision, announced via a handwritten letter on Instagram, follows the death of his father and a 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain. While he remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, his departure leaves a void in Argentine football and raises questions about the future of the national team and its coach, Lionel Scaloni.
