Messi's Exit: A Chapter Closes for Argentine Football Lionel Messi's announcement that he will retire from Argentina's national team has sent shockwaves through the soccer world.
Beneath the emotional goodbye lies a more nuanced story of Messi's complicated relationship with his country and its expectations. For two decades, Messi carried the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders.
His 125 goals in 207 games make him the team's all time leading scorer, and his influence extends far beyond the pitch.