Lionel Messi has been urged to “think very carefully” about international retirement with Argentina as “no one is prepared” for that decision.

• Hinted at bowing out after 2026 World Cup
• Preparing for final competitive outing in Argentina
• Been an international superstar for 20 years

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has been part of the Albiceleste set-up for 20 years, having made his senior bow in 2005. Over the course of two memorable decades, the all-time great has earned 193 caps and scored 112 goals.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He has helped his country to World Cup glory and two Copa America crowns, while also picking up an Olympic gold medal in 2008. At 38 years of age, there is acceptance in Argentina that the end of an iconic career is near.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi has hinted that he will be bowing out of international football after the 2026 World Cup, with an outing against Venezuela on Thursday set to be his last competitive appearance for Argentina on home soil. He has said: “It's going to be a very, very special match for me because it's the last qualifying match.

  “I don't know if there will be friendlies or more matches after [Venezuela], but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings. We're going to live it like that. I don't know what will happen next.”

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  WHAT ARMANI SAID

  Former Argentina international goalkeeper Franco Armani, who is still playing himself at 38 years of age, said at the River Plate Foundation dinner when asked about Messi approaching the end: “Let's hope not, let him think it over. Obviously, no one is prepared for that, I think. After Thursday, let him think it over very carefully.”

Tags: Futebol
Category: News