Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: There was one speculation. It ended with the announcement of the world's best footballer Lionel Messi on Monday. After captivating the world in the blue and white jersey for more than two decades, the captain of the Argentina World Cup-winning team and megastar Messi announced that he would no longer participate in international matches for the country. After winning the FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup, it seemed that Messi would no longer play for the country. But in reality, that did not happen. Messi also participated in the FIFA 2026 World Cup. And not only did he play, but he also took Argentina to the final with a brilliant form. However, his dream of winning the World Cup twice in a row did not come true as Messi lost to Spain in the final. Messi had nothing more to give or receive. And that is why Messi retired this time for good.
On Monday, Messi said on Instagram that he considered retiring two days after the World Cup final defeat to Spain. And that was further strengthened by the death of his father. Messi's father died earlier this month. It was then that the world's legendary footballer Messi hinted at quitting the game. However, Messi said that the decision to no longer play for Argentina was not easy at all. It caused him a lot of pain to make this decision. He has always enjoyed playing in the Argentina jersey. He had nothing more to give. So he felt it was right to step down to give the new generation a chance to showcase their skills. According to the 39-year-old Messi, he is leaving the Argentina team with a sense of peace of mind. He made the decision to retire on July 21. Only the official announcement was made so far. Messi, however, will continue to play for Inter Miami in MLS.
I saw Messi play for Argentina in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany for the first time. Argentina's then coach Pekerman could not use the young Messi properly in the World Cup. That's why Argentina did not succeed. He later admitted that to my question at the press conference after the loss to Germany. However, Messi did not give up. Instead, he gave his best in the following World Cups with the aim of winning the World Cup. Messi's chest burst after losing to Germany in the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. There was bleeding inside his heart. Tears of pain rolled down Messi's cheeks as he wore the runner's medal. Messi almost retired in 2016. Later, he was persuaded to change his decision. The 2018 Russia World Cup did not go well at all due to the factionalism between Messi and Argentina. However, Argentina's victory in the Copa America in 2021 was a turning point for Messi and Argentina. Finally, Messi and the Argentine fans' dreams came true when they defeated France in a tiebreaker in the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup to become world champions. I witnessed that breathtaking match sitting in the gallery of the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Messi also captivated the 2026 World Cup with his extraordinary sportsmanship. However, Messi was unable to win the World Cup twice in a row. And so he stopped for good.
Messi wrote on Instagram, 'Since losing the World Cup final to Spain in 2026, I have been thinking that this is the time to stop. I was thinking about how to tell everyone. Such a decision really hurts. I have always tried to give my best. Not only in the last few years, when we have won a lot. Before that, there was the same dedication. I have sacrificed myself to make my countrymen, supporters and fans proud in the Argentina jersey. This is the right time to step aside. To give new talent a chance to shine. Thank you all for encouraging me and inspiring me for the past 20 years. I will miss the cheering from the stands from now on. I will also be cheering for the team from off the field like you. In good times and bad. Thank you to my family for always being there. For supporting me in difficult times. I have enjoyed my footballing life with my teammates, coaches, coaching staff, and officials. Thank you to God for making me an Argentine. Let's go Argentina.'
Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 matches for Argentina. Messi, the country's top scorer, has scored 21 goals in 34 World Cup matches. Messi's senior team journey began in 2005. He was only 18 at the time. In addition to winning the 2022 World Cup, Messi also has a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as winning the Copa America.