Heartbreaking moment that made Messi cry as legend quits international football
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect. The footballing great, widely considered to be the greatest player of all time, called an end to his 20 year international career with an emotional social media post.
TL;DR
- Lionel Messi has retired from international football with immediate effect.
- He cited deep personal hurt and the emergence of young talent as reasons for his retirement.
- Messi played 207 times for Argentina, scoring 125 goals, and led them to a World Cup triumph in 2022.
- His final international match was a World Cup final loss to Spain, after which he was visibly distraught.
- An observer described Messi as isolated and heartbroken in the moments following the defeat, ultimately bursting into tears while facing the fans.