Lionel Messi looks dejected via REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Piers Morgan has taken the opportunity to take a dig at Lionel Messi after the Argentina icon announced his retirement from international football.
Messi, 39, released an emotional statement to confirm his decision after suffering heartbreak on and off the pitch in recent months. After wide speculation surrounding his Argentina future, the Inter Miami star has hung up his boots for good.
It comes after La Albiceleste were defeated in the 2026 World Cup final by Spain, marking the second silver medal of Messi's career. Just weeks after that, Jorge Messi, Lionel's father, passed away aged 68.
Lionel Messi Explains Argentina Retirement
REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
Messi posted an extremely lengthy and emotional statement to let everyone know that the Argentina vs Spain clash at MetLife Stadium on July 19 was his last time wearing the blue and white stripes.
He said he doesn't believe he has much left to give, which will have pulled on the heartstrings of millions who have been lucky enough to witness his genius for over two decades.
10 greatest footballers in World Cup history
10 greatest footballers in World Cup history
He leaves behind an unbelievable legacy on the international stage. Messi scored 125 times in just 207 appearances for his country. Along the way, he won Copa America twice, claimed Olympic gold and finally got his hands on the World Cup in 2022. It's a career no one can dispute.
Piers Morgan's Lionel Messi Tweet Goes Viral
Andrew Couldridge via Reuters
Piers Morgan, however, regularly does his best to quash the claims that Messi is the greatest footballer of all time. The British journalist and media personality has previously left the Argentine great out of his all-time XI and named four players he believes were better.
In a tweet that has already received 3,000 comments on X, Morgan made sure to make it abundantly clear who his GOAT is. A well-known friend and fan of Messi's long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the 61-year-old posted:
According to Morgan, Ronaldo being the top international goalscorer ever puts the debate to bed. "This settles the GOAT debate," he said. Many would argue that Messi's team honours on the international stage outweigh Ronaldo's with Portugal, as the 39-year-old is the most decorated player in football history.
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Statistics are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 31-08-26.