For more than two decades, Messi was not simply Argentina’s best player. “There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. Key points and original sources are listed below.

• For more than two decades, Messi was not simply Argentina’s best player. He became the central figure of the national team’s identity.S1

• “There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot,” the 2022 World Cup winner wrote on Instagram.S2

• Soccer legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, saying he will no longer play for the Argentina national team.S3

• "I ‌leave with the ⁠peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my ‌teammates — moments we once only dreamed of." ​S4

• Lionel Messi announced the end of his career with the Argentina national teamS5

• Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026, losing to Spain.S6S7