Goals, records, tears ... Messi's most iconic moments
· Sports · BBC Sport
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, ending a career with Argentina that spanned more than two decades. The decision follows the recent death of his father, Jorge, which led the forward to reconsider his future in the sport. Messi, who remains signed with Inter Miami until 2028, departs as Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player with 125 goals in 207 appearances. Across his career with Barcelona, Paris St-Germain, Inter Miami, and Argentina, he recorded a total of 921 goals. He stated that the decision to close this chapter of his life causes him deep pain.
Why it matters
Messi's departure marks the end of an era for Argentine football and global sports, leaving a significant void in the national team's leadership and attacking lineup. His retirement concludes a career that defined a generation of football for fans worldwide.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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