The World Cup final was the last match Still hurts in the soul : Messi resigns from the national team

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, marking the end of a storied career with the Argentine national team. The 39-year-old forward made the decision public through an emotional post on Instagram, confirming he will no longer represent Argentina in future matches. His final appearance came during the World Cup final on July 19 in New York, where Argentina lost 0:1 to Spain. This match marked his 207th and last cap for the national side, a record in both appearances and goals scored, 125 in total. Messi’s announcement followed weeks of speculation after Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final, which ended their hopes of defending the title they won in Qatar in 2022. In his message, Messi expressed deep emotion, stating that the decision “hurts in my soul,” yet he felt it was the right time to step away. He wrote that he had always given everything for the jersey, not just in recent years when Argentina achieved great success, but throughout his entire career. He emphasized that he fought hard for the honor of wearing the Albiceleste and wanted to make Argentinians proud through football. The pinnacle of Messi’s international career came in 2022 when he led Argentina to its third World Cup title, scoring seven goals during the tournament. That victory was particularly significant, as it fulfilled a lifelong dream for Messi and many Argentinian fans. However, this year’s campaign saw Argentina come very close to repeating as champions, only to fall short in the final against Spain. It was the second time Messi had reached a World Cup final, having previously lost to Germany in 2014, also in extra time. In addition to the loss in the final, Messi cited personal reasons for his decision. He mentioned that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on August 8, reinforced his resolve to retire from international play. Messi stated he was more convinced than ever that stepping down from the national team was the correct choice following this personal tragedy. Messi’s departure leaves a void in the Argentine squad, as he was not only the team’s star player but also a unifying figure. His leadership on and off the field helped guide Argentina to two major titles in recent years, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América victories. These triumphs were instrumental in restoring pride and joy among Argentinian supporters, especially after previous disappointments in international competitions. The announcement comes amid a period of transition for the Argentine national team. With Messi’s exit, the focus will shift to younger players who must now take up the mantle of leading the country in future tournaments. Coaches and analysts have already begun discussing potential successors, though none currently possess the same level of skill, experience, or global recognition as Messi. Messi’s decision to retire from international football follows a pattern seen with other legendary players who choose to end their careers after achieving significant milestones. While some athletes continue playing for their countries well into their late 30s, others opt to step back to enjoy family life or pursue other interests. For Messi, the timing appears to align with both personal circumstances and professional fulfillment. His legacy with the Argentine national team is secure, with records in caps and goals that may stand for decades. Fans and fellow players alike have acknowledged the impact he has had on the sport and the nation. As Messi moves forward, the spotlight will turn to the next generation of Argentine talent, tasked with carrying the torch in international competition.