Messi stops playing for Argentina – level 3

07-09-2026 07:00

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

In an emotional statement on Instagram, Messi shared that although the decision hurts deeply, the time has come to step away and make room for younger players.

His decision comes shortly after playing in his sixth World Cup and following the recent passing of his father. Messi leaves behind an extraordinary international legacy as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances. During his 20-year career with the national team, he won two Copa América titles and captained Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022.

While Messi has retired from international duty, he continues to play club football for Inter Miami in the United States. Fans and sports commentators around the world are calling his announcement the end of an historic era in modern football.

Difficult words: legacy (something valuable or important that a person leaves behind after they finish their career or life), captain (to lead a sports team or group as its captain).

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News in Levels · Messi stops playing for Argentina – level 3

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