Lionel Messi retires from international football at 39

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an extraordinary Argentina career to an end. According to Essex County News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made his final appearance in last month’s World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain.

Messi earned 207 caps and scored 125 goals for his country, while his greatest achievement came in 2022 when he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory. His international honours also include two Copa America titles and Olympic gold, completing one of football’s most decorated international careers.