Messi stepped down as national team captain at age 39
Lionel Messi officially announced that he is ending his 20-year international career as captain of the Argentina national team at the age of 39. One.uz reports on this.
On his Instagram page, he expressed heartfelt words dedicating his years of service, achievements, and gratitude to the national team. In his announcement, Messi stated that he could no longer offer anything else to the national team, but he looks forward to the arrival of a young and talented generation.
He also said that he would now support the team as an ordinary fan. 2026 World Cup and Historic Achievements Messi made this decision after the 2026 World Cup final.
He scored 18 goals and provided 4 assists in the tournament, writing his name into history forever. He became the first player to score a total of 20 goals, setting records for the most appearances and most assists in World Cup history.
At the age of 39, he broke Gunnar Gren’s record to become the oldest player in World Cup finals history. Service and Awards with the National Team Since 2006, Messi has played 207 matches for Argentina, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists.
He won the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2008 Olympic Championship, and won silver medals at the 2014 and 2026 World Cups. After announcing his departure following the loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final, he returned at the fans' request and delivered his most glorious period between 2021 and 2024.
Experts attribute the irrevocability of this decision to Messi's age and the heavy loss related to his father's death. He will now continue his contract with Inter Miami in the USA until 2028.
Source: One.uz
