Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, prompting an emotional wave of tributes across Argentina, the nation he captained to World Cup glory in 2022.
Key facts
- Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football in an Instagram post on Monday.
- The post featured three handwritten sheets and was accompanied by the song Brindis, sung by Soledad Pastorutti.
- Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.
- The most recent World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was played in New Jersey on 19 July.
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was seen in tears at the press conference after that final.
Lionel Messi has confirmed his retirement from international football, and the news has been met by an outpouring of affection from Argentina, the country he led to World Cup glory in 2022, according to the Guardian.
The forward made the announcement on Monday in a post on Instagram. The post included photographs of three handwritten sheets on anonymous yet corporate-looking headed paper, written with a Harry Potter Time Turner pen, and was set to the soundtrack of Brindis, sung by Soledad Pastorutti.
The Guardian reports that the announcement instantly dominated the news and unleashed a barrage of homages, gratitude and joy from all corners of the country.
Despite the emotional reaction, the outlet notes that the decision was not exactly a surprise. Signs had been visible for some time that an era was drawing to a close.
One of the clearest indications came at the press conference immediately after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, played in New Jersey on 19 July. Anyone present who saw Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni’s tears, and the sobs that prevented him from speaking as he got up and walked out, could tell this was a man weeping not because of defeat in a single match.
According to the Guardian, Scaloni was weeping because he was fully aware that what that particular group of men had been through for the past eight years had come to an end.
Why it matters
Messi is among the most celebrated footballers of his generation and his 2022 World Cup triumph was a defining moment for Argentina. His retirement from the international game marks the end of an era for the national team and its supporters.
Frequently asked questions
How did Lionel Messi announce his retirement?
According to the Guardian, Messi announced his retirement from international football in an Instagram post on Monday, featuring photographs of three handwritten sheets and the song Brindis, sung by Soledad Pastorutti.
When was the most recent World Cup final involving Argentina?
The Guardian reports the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was played in New Jersey on 19 July.
What did Argentina achieve under Messi?
Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, according to the Guardian.