THE END OF AN ERA: LIONEL MESSI CALLS TIME ON ARGENTINA CAREER

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the most extraordinary careers in the history of the game.
The Argentina captain, who inspired his nation to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, leaves the international stage as his country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
In an emotional statement, Messi said the decision was painful but acknowledged that the time had come to step aside.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.”
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner added that he had given everything to the national team and believed a new generation of Argentine stars deserved the opportunity to shine.
“I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give.”
Messi's international journey began in 2005 in a friendly against Hungary, where his debut lasted less than two minutes after he was shown a straight red card. From that difficult beginning, he went on to become a national hero, winning one World Cup and two Copa América titles with Argentina.
His international numbers tell the story of an extraordinary era: 125 goals for Argentina, 21 World Cup goals and countless unforgettable moments that cemented his place among football's greatest-ever players.
His rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo also defined a generation. Messi finishes his international career as the second-highest scorer in men's international football, behind Ronaldo's 146 goals.
While his Argentina chapter may be closing, Messi's football journey is not over. He will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where his contract runs through the end of the 2028 season.
The boy from Rosario became Argentina's hero. The captain lifted the World Cup. And now, one of football's greatest chapters is coming to an end.
Lionel Messi: Argentina legend. World champion. Forever an icon.