Argentinian legend, Lionel Messi, on Monday announced his retirement from international soccer.
In a post via his verified Instagram page, Messi said he is retiring from Argentina’s national team at age 39.
And in a footnote at the end, he added: “I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”
Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, died on Aug. 8 at a hospital in the central Argentina city of Rosario. He was 68.
Messi leaves the Argentina team having played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and led Argentina to second place in 2026 after losing to Spain.
In his words: “After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team”.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.
“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad — especially the bad).
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey — so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.
“Let’s go, Argentina!
The Argentina captain is his country’s all-time leading goal scorer and most capped player. Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 games for the national team.
He is the highest-scoring man in South American soccer history.
Several reactions have trailed Messi’s announcement; In a bilingual post, FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Messi “for an extraordinary international career that has inspired millions of people and redefined our sport. Your magical talent and humility will be remembered forever.”
The Argentine Football Association wrote on its Spanish and English social media pages: “Thank you for everything, Leo. Thank you for representing Argentina. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for turning so many dreams into reality. The legend is yours, forever.”
Source: Associated Press.
