Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine national team at 39, ending an international career that included all possible titles with the albiceleste. The striker left select football as one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport.
This farewell contrasts directly with what happened in 2016, when Messi announced his retirement from the national team after losing the Copa América final to Chile. On that occasion, he left abruptly and emotionally, different from the current moment of peaceful departure.
Messi conquered everything that lay ahead: the 2022 World Cup, multiple editions of the Copa América, and various other titles with the Argentine national team. His passage through the national team is considered victorious and complete.
With his departure, Argentina faces the challenge of rebuilding its attack and finding a replacement for number 10, who was fundamental in all recent campaigns of the national team. The albiceleste will have to reinvent itself without its greatest icon in international football.
