Lionel Messi has reportedly brought his extraordinary international career with Argentina to an end.

According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Messi will no longer play for the Argentina national team, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable period in the country’s football history.

Messi’s relationship with Argentina has lasted for many years and included both difficult moments and historic achievements. He rose to become the team’s captain and eventually led the country to its most coveted international prize.

His defining moment came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina lifted the trophy after defeating France in a dramatic final. Messi played a central role throughout the tournament and was awarded the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player.

The World Cup triumph was particularly significant because Messi had previously faced criticism over Argentina’s failure to win major international titles during the early part of his senior career.

That criticism changed after Argentina won the 2021 Copa América, followed by the 2022 World Cup and the 2022 Finalissima against Italy.

Messi subsequently became one of the most decorated players in Argentina’s international history.

His reported decision to retire now represents a major change for the national team. Argentina will have to prepare for life without the player who has worn the captain’s armband and carried much of the team’s attacking responsibility for years.

While Messi’s club career remains separate from his international career, his reported decision to leave Argentina represents the end of an era for the national team.