Whenever the woes of American soccer are discussed, someone inevitably raises the question of "when is the United States going to produce its own Lionel Messi?"

It could start by trying to produce more Clint Dempseys.

Dempsey, 35, called time on his professional career on Wednesday, announcing the decision via a statement released by his Major League Soccer club, the Seattle Sounders.

“After a lot of thought, my family and I have decided that this is the right time for me to step away from the game,” said Dempsey. “I’m grateful to have been on this ride."

He leaves the game as the joint top scorer in U.S. men's national team history, tied with Landon Donovan on 57, and also locked in a stalemate with Donovan in the public's perception of who is the best player the U.S. has produced.

MORE: Soccer world reacts to Dempsey's retirement