Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football after a 21-year career with Argentina. The decision was announced following his final match for the national team on Tuesday, October 6. During the farewell game, Messi scored his last goal, marking the end of an extraordinary journey that saw him become one of the most iconic players in football history.
Messi, 39, played his final match in Buenos Aires, where he was celebrated by an audience of 85,000 fans. Teammates were visibly emotional as he stepped away from the field, clutching a bouquet of 126 international goals. The match was a fairytale exit for the legend, with Argentina securing a comfortable victory.
Despite his retirement, the Argentine Football Association has decided not to retire his iconic No.10 shirt. This decision reflects the deep respect and admiration for Messi’s contributions to the national team. His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons joined him on the pitch for a heartfelt family moment, highlighting the personal significance of the occasion.
Messi’s retirement comes after a career filled with historic achievements, including multiple World Cup wins and a record for most goals scored for a national team. His farewell was not only a celebration of his career but also a moment of closure for a generation of fans who followed his journey from a young prodigy to a global football icon.
The decision to retain his No.10 shirt underscores the lasting legacy Messi will have in Argentine football. As he steps away from international play, his impact on the sport remains undeniable, with his name forever linked to the golden era of Argentine football.
