Lionel Messi said that his father’s passing has made him more certain than ever that it’s time to end his international career, therefore he has decided to leave the Argentina national team.
The Argentina captain announced his decision in an emotional declaration, saying that ever since his nation’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final on July 19, 2026, he has been considering retirement.
Messi stated that the decision had caused him significant pain but added that he felt the time had come to retire from the national team. “It was a decision that hurt and continues to hurt my soul, but I know this is the time,” Messi stated.
The 39-year-old emphasized that he had always given his all for Argentina, not just during the time that he and his colleagues eventually put an end to the nation’s protracted wait for significant international silverware.
“I swear that I always gave everything, not just in the past several years when everything was won, and I always battled and sacrificed for this shirt, for giving them joy and making them proud to be Argentinians through football.”
The rise of a new generation of Argentine players, according to Messi, also played a part in his decision to retire.
“There are extremely talented young players emerging who merit being here,” he said.
The forward also thought back over his 20 years with the national team and thanked everyone who helped him along the way, including his family, coaches, teammates, and officials.
“I am thankful for all the affection you’ve shown me throughout the past two decades. I will miss hearing from you inside a lot. I’ll now be one of you, constantly cheering and supporting from the outside.”
Messi said that he had originally written the statement on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but had held off on releasing it.
“I penned these words on July 21, just two days following the championship. “I’m more certain than I was before about this after what happened to my father,” he concluded.
Messi leaves the most prestigious international career in Argentina’s history.
He guided Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final and helped them win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América crowns, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He has established himself as one of Argentina’s greatest sporting icons and is the country’s all-time leading goal scorer and assist provider.
His retirement marks the end of an amazing 20-year international career that started in 2005 with Argentina’s senior squad.
Following years of anguish and criticism, Messi eventually gave Argentina the significant international trophies it had long desired.
The legendary forward has decided to step away from the national squad after his father passed away and another heartbreaking World Cup final loss.
“Go Argentina! Thank you, God, for making me an Argentine.”
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