Lionel Messi does not need Argentina to secure his place in football history. It is true that he has never won a major senior international trophy, but that has not tarnished his legendary status in the sport. The honors he achieved with Barcelona are arguably more valuable than anything the national team could offer. Thirteen glittering years with the Catalan giants speak for themselves. While Diego Maradona and Pelé earned global praise through triumphs with their national teams, times have changed. In today’s era, greatness is defined more by Champions League titles and Ballon d’Or awards than international medals. This perspective, widely discussed on Cricket Exchange, reflects how Messi’s legacy stands tall regardless of Argentina’s shortcomings.

Stepping away from the national team could even benefit Messi. Freed from the relentless tension and pressure of international duty, he has always looked more composed, steady, and calm at Barcelona, sometimes even playing with a touch of relaxed nonchalance. In contrast, with Argentina, Messi often appears agitated and burdened, carrying the weight of expectation and enduring repeated heartbreaks. At 29, he must think carefully about how best to protect his career. Like every player, his time on the pitch will eventually come to an end, and prolonging that timeline is now his most important challenge.

Marca’s analysis suggests that retiring from international football, as he briefly did last summer, was actually beneficial for him. From their perspective, matches with Argentina are not essential to his career, either as a professional athlete or as an individual. The national team can offer him little that he does not already possess. His recent struggles in international fixtures also reveal the psychological toll of carrying Argentina’s hopes, highlighting the need to prioritize his mental wellbeing. For Messi, a second and permanent withdrawal from the national side may be the most logical step forward.

The emotional toll was evident after Argentina’s repeated failures in tournament finals. Following another painful defeat, Messi announced his retirement from the national team. Soon after, he grew a beard, dyed his hair, and distanced himself from the public eye — visible signs of a man in crisis. Although he reversed his decision within two months, explaining that he wanted to help Argentina again, his actions inadvertently revealed his true feelings: representing the national team brings him more suffering than joy.

Now suspended for three upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to allegedly insulting an assistant referee, Messi has already missed Argentina’s loss to Bolivia. The exact words he used remain unknown, but the punishment suggests they were severe. This enforced absence gives him more time to reflect on whether playing for Argentina is truly worth the emotional cost. If Messi looks back honestly, he may realize that his first decision — to step away — was indeed the right one.

For fans worldwide tracking every twist of this saga on Cricket Exchange, the debate continues: should Messi endure the burden of Argentina’s expectations, or should he focus solely on extending his unparalleled club career? Whichever path he chooses, his place in football’s pantheon is secure. Yet his decision will shape not only Argentina’s future but also how the world remembers the twilight of his career. In the end, sometimes the bravest choice is knowing when to walk away, and for Messi, that time may have already come.