The trophies Messi won for Argentina

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football in a social media post on Monday.

The 39-year-old Argentine legend announced his retirement on his Facebook page on Monday.

Messi wrote on social media, "After so much time since the World Cup final, and after much thought, I want to inform you all that I am retiring from the national team."

Messi's triumphant journey with the national team began in 2005. He led his team to victory in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, becoming the tournament's top scorer and best player. He then won the gold medal with the U-23 team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which brought his early career to the international stage.

However, Messi's title winning streak for the Argentina national team began in 2021. In these four years—2021 to 2024—Messi has won two Copa Americas, the Finalisima, and the World Cup.

Argentina ended their 28-year title drought by winning the Copa America title by defeating arch-rivals Brazil at the Maracana Stadium. Following that victory, Argentina won the 'Finalissima' in 2022 by defeating Euro champions Italy 3-0.

The pinnacle of Messi's international career came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He won Argentina's first world title in 36 years by defeating France in a thrilling final at the Lusail Stadium. The legend then made his final international chapter with the national team unforgettable by winning a second consecutive Copa America title in 2024.

Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 matches for Argentina. He is not only the country's all-time leading scorer, but also the only player in international football to have played and scored more goals than him, only Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.