Islamabad: Argentine football star Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of thirty-nine. He made the announcement on social media, stating that the decision was painful but felt it was time to step aside and allow young players an opportunity.

According to Radio Pakistan, Messi played 207 matches for Argentina and scored 125 goals since making his international debut in 2005. He led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in 2022, and also secured victories in the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.