How many times has Messi retired from international football?
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, has been a topic of much discussion throughout his career. One of the most frequently asked questions is: How many times has Messi retired from international football? The answer to this question is not straightforward, as Messi’s retirement announcements have been a mix of official and rumored exits. Let’s delve into the details and explore the different instances when Messi has seemingly retired from international football.
First Retirement Announcement
Messi’s first retirement from international football came in 2016. After a poor performance in the Copa America, the Argentine star announced his decision to step down from the national team. However, this retirement was short-lived, as Messi reconsidered his decision and returned to the team just a few months later.
Second Retirement Announcement
The second time Messi announced his retirement from international football was in 2019. This time, the reasons were more personal, as Messi cited family and personal reasons for his decision. Once again, the retirement was temporary, and Messi returned to the national team after a brief hiatus.
Third Retirement Announcement
The third and most recent retirement announcement came in 2021. Following a series of injuries and a poor performance in the Copa America, Messi once again expressed his desire to step away from international football. This time, his retirement seemed more definitive, as he took a break from the national team for an extended period. However, Messi has since hinted at a potential return to international football, leaving fans on edge about his future with the Argentine national team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football three times. Each time, the reasons for his decision were different, ranging from poor performance to personal reasons. Despite these announcements, Messi has shown a willingness to return to the national team, making it difficult to determine the exact number of times he has retired from international football. As fans await his next move, it remains to be seen if Messi will continue to be a key player for Argentina on the international stage.
