Argentina’s soccer icon Lionel Messi has made the heartfelt decision to retire from international football after a remarkable 21-year career representing his nation. The retirement announcement, shared on Messi’s Instagram account, comes after his crowning achievement of leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, solidifying his legacy among the sport’s greatest players.

While Messi will continue playing at the club level with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, his international journey saw him participate in six World Cup tournaments, including a historic win in Qatar four years ago. Despite falling short in the recent World Cup final against Spain, Messi’s contributions to Argentina’s soccer legacy are deeply revered, positioning him alongside legends like Diego Maradona and Pele.

With 207 games played for Argentina, Messi leaves as the all-time leading goal scorer with 125 goals, including 21 in World Cup competitions. His decision to retire follows a period of personal reflection, with Messi revealing that he had penned his retirement letter two days after the World Cup final but postponed its publication due to his father’s health struggles, which sadly led to his passing on August 8.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Messi expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support over the years and emphasized his commitment to leaving everything on the field for his country. Despite the retirement from international duty, Messi’s impact on the sport remains indelible, with accolades such as being the all-time leading World Cup goal scorer and an eight-time world player of the year.

The announcement of Messi’s retirement has elicited a flood of tributes from fans, officials, and fellow players, acknowledging his immense contributions to Argentine soccer and the global football community. As Messi bids farewell to the international stage, his legacy as a true legend of the game endures, leaving a lasting impact on the world of soccer.