Lionel Messi has confirmed he will no longer represent Argentina in an official match, bringing his international career to an end after Tuesday’s game against Benin’s Cheetahs.
The former FC Barcelona and PSG forward, who wore Argentina’s number 10 shirt, announced his decision in a post on social media. Messi said he was leaving the national team with no regrets after fulfilling his responsibilities.
“The moment has arrived. I am leaving in peace; I gave everything,” he wrote.
Messi departs after making more than 200 appearances for Argentina and scoring 126 goals. He said representing his country had fulfilled a lifelong ambition and described the national team shirt as central to his identity.
“This shirt was my dream, my pride and my life for years,” he added.
The match against Benin was therefore the final official appearance for Messi with the Albiceleste, ending his time as Argentina’s number 10 with a sense of a mission completed.