Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. The 39-year-old football legend revealed his decision to step down from the national team a few months after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi announced his retirement by publishing a handwritten letter on Instagram. After nearly two decades of playing for the Argentinian national team, his decision is being seen as the end of an era in international football.
Announcing his retirement, Messi wrote, “The decision has pained me from within, and still does. But I understand this is the right time.”
Emphasizing that he always gave his best for the national team jersey, Messi stated that he had given his all for Argentina not just during the trophy-winning years, but even before. One of his primary goals was to bring joy to the country’s football fans and make them proud as Argentinians.
Messi said that time is running out quickly and various chapters of life are nearing their end. Concluding the national team chapter is extremely painful for him. However, many talented players of the new generation are emerging who deserve a place in the national team.
World Cup Winner Messi’s Illustrious International Career
Messi made his debut for Argentina’s senior national team in 2006. He subsequently participated in six World Cups. After a long wait, he fulfilled his biggest career dream by leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Messi also led Argentina to the final of the 2026 World Cup. However, Argentina finished as runners-up after losing to Spain in the title decider.
Overcoming various chapters of frustration, criticism, and failure with the national team, finally tasting World Cup victory will remain one of the most memorable chapters of Messi’s international career.
Will Continue Playing Club Football
Although retiring from the national team, Messi is not bidding a complete farewell to football yet. He will continue playing club football for Inter Miami in the United States. His contract with the club runs until 2028.
This means that while Messi’s chapter in the Argentina jersey concludes, he will still be seen on the field in club football for some more time.
Thanks to Argentinian Supporters
In his retirement message, Messi also conveyed an emotional message to Argentinian supporters. He thanked them for the love received over two decades.
Messi stated that he would miss hearing the voices of supporters from inside the stadium while playing for the national team. From now on, he will stand by the national team as a fan from the outside – in good times, and even more so in bad times.
The Argentinian captain also expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and officials. He mentioned that the time and memories spent with them would remain with him throughout his life.
Expressing love for his roots, Messi wrote, “Thank God for making me Argentinian.”
Finally, his message to Argentina: “Vamos Argentina!”
Messi’s Decision Strengthened After Father’s Death
Messi revealed that he had written his retirement letter two days after the World Cup final. However, he did not publish it then as his father, Jorge Messi, was unwell.
Jorge Messi passed away on August 8 in Rosario, Argentina. Messi stated that his decision to retire from the national team was further solidified after his father’s death.
At the end of a long 20-year international chapter, Messi leaves behind a legacy that includes a World Cup victory, numerous records, titles, and the glory of permanently establishing his name as one of the greatest players in Argentinian football history.
