Lionel Messi’s retirement from the national soccer team, though widely expected, sparked fears of a diminished squad, and heartbreak over the departure of a national icon.

Lionel Messi has played his last game representing Argentina, the soccer star announced Monday. The 39-year-old Messi’s retirement from the national team comes 20 years after his first appearance and ends a career with La Albiceleste that saw him score 98 goals and add 38 assists in 142 matches.