International Football Shock: Argentina’s Messi Retires from National TeamInternational Football Shock: Argentina’s Messi Retires from National Team In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the football world, legendary Argentine forward Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the national team. After Argentina’s disappointing elimination in the round of 16 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Messi, now 31, has decided to step away from international football. The news was confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in a brief statement on Wednesday. During his illustrious 14-year international career, Messi has been the cornerstone of the Argentina team, inspiring them to a Copa America title in 2021 and guiding them to three major finals – the 2014 World Cup final, the 2015 Copa America final, and the 2016 Copa America Centenario final. However, despite his individual brilliance and the support of his teammates, Messi has been unable to lead Argentina to a major trophy since the 1993 Copa America. This, coupled with the growing criticism of the team’s performance, is believed to have played a role in his decision to retire. The news has been met with widespread shock and disappointment among fans and pundits alike. Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his retirement from the national team marks the end of an era for Argentina. The AFA has expressed its gratitude to Messi for his invaluable contribution to the team and has stated that he will always be held in the highest regard by Argentine football. Messi’s decision has also raised questions about the future of Argentina’s national team. Without their talismanic leader, the team faces an uncertain future and may struggle to maintain its competitive edge on the international stage. The football world will undoubtedly miss the brilliance and magic of Lionel Messi in an Argentina shirt. His legacy as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen will live on, but his retirement from the national team will leave a void that will be difficult to fill.
