5 players who shockingly announced their early retirement from international football

5) Lionel Messi

Messi’s retirement from international football came as a shock to all

And our latest example is none other than Leo Messi. Often regarded as the best player in the world, Messi has been having a terrific stint with Barcelona for more than a decade now. However, his international career hasn’t been as successful as his club career; something which eventually led Messi to call it quits for Argentina.

Having made his international debut in 2005, Messi played his first major tournament at the 2006 World Cup in Germany where he scored a goal against Serbia and Montenegro. He helped Argentina to an Olympic gold at Beijing in 2008 and soon became their talisman.

Messi did not score during the 2010 World Cup but set up a number of goals for Argentina. After a disappointing Copa America in 2011, Messi became the captain of the side and led La Albiceleste to the final of the 2014 World Cup which they lost to Germany. Messi scored four goals in the tournament and was awarded the Golden Ball.

He also led Argentina to the final of the 2015 Copa America where they lost to Chile. Messi was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the tournament but he refused the honour.

A year later, Messi led Argentina to the final of the Copa America Centenario which they lost to Chile. After a fourth final defeat in Messi’s career, Argentina’s skipper retired from the national team at the age of 29.