Messi is retiring from international play, but still has MLS games. Get tickets

Lionel Messi is saying goodbye.Well, sort of.The World Cup’s all-time leading scorer officially announced his retirement from international play via Instagram on Monday, Aug.31.That means “the Atomic Flea” will no longer compete for Argentina after taking part in six World Cups — and winning one in 2022 — dating back to 2006.“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote.

“I swear to you that I always gave it my all — not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”His handwritten note concluded with the addendum “*I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final.Today, after what happened with my dad [Editor’s Note: Messi’s father, Jorge, passed away at 68 on Aug.

8], I am even more convinced than before.”However, despite his decision to hang up his cleats for Argentina, the 39-year-old has approximately 2.5 years remaining on his contract with his MLS team, Inter Miami CF, aka The Herons.He’ll play with the club through December 2028.As of now, Messi has 13 matches remaining from September through November before the postseason gets underway.And, while he doesn’t have any in New York proper, the legendary forward will get close when he takes on Emil Forsberg’s New York Red Bulls at Harrison, NJ’s Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday, Oct.24.Make sure to use promo code NYPOST10 for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout (Editor’s Note: this discount is only valid for users’ first purchase on SeatGeek).Prior to the shocking news of his retirement, Messi scored four goals and dished an assist in a 7-1 win over CF Montréal on Saturday, Aug.

29.For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about how to see Lionel Messi with Inter Miami CF below.A co...