Lionel Messi Ends Illustrious Argentina Career

Lionel Messi has called time on an Argentina career that brought a World Cup title, national scoring records and a long series of painful encounters for Nigeria.

The 39-year-old forward leaves the Albiceleste as the country’s most-capped player and leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. He captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and made his national-team debut in 2005.

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nothing left to give

Messi announced the decision in a social media statement, saying he had given everything to Argentina and had “nothing left to give.” He added: “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.” He also said: “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.”

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Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.

His message pointed to the emergence of younger players as another reason to step aside. “I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.”

For Nigerian football fans, Messi’s international career is closely linked to defeats against the Super Eagles. He scored six goals at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands, including two against Nigeria in the final match, and helped Argentina defeat Nigeria in the 2008 Beijing Olympic final. Nigeria also lost to Argentina in group-stage matches at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups.

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I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.

The report said signs of Messi’s decision emerged after the death of his father, Jorge, and after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi said he wrote his retirement message on July 21, two days after that defeat, and later became more convinced following his father’s death. His club career will continue with Inter Miami under a contract running through the end of the 2028 season.

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I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.