Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine national team this Monday. The midfielder published on his social media a letter that, according to him, had been written since July 21, two days after the defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. "It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts in the soul, but I understand that it is the right time," the player communicated.
Messi, at 39 years old, justified his decision citing advanced age and lack of energy to wear the albiceleste jersey for another four years. The article mentions that he also considered the death of his father, who was always his guardian throughout his career, and the start of a new cycle for the Argentine national team.
The number 10 wishes to leave the scene now so that the new generation can enter without the pressure of a trophy to compete for soon, since the next tournament will be the Copa América.
The article addresses the challenges that coach Scaloni will face to find a worthy substitute in the number 10 position for the Argentine national team after Messi's retirement.
