Lionel Messi announced today that he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to its second World Cup final in a row in July.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand it is the right time,” Messi, 39, posted on Instagram.
“I swear that I always gave everything, not only in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he added.
Messi led Argentina to World Cup success in the 2022 final against France on penalties in Doha but his side lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 final.
Messi, who lost his father Jorge in August, later stated he was left with ‘severe reservations’ about playing football of any kind for ‘much longer’.
Messi has signed with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami until the end of 2028.
“After all this time since the final and after thinking a lot about it, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team… His full statement is:
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside but I understand this is the right time.
“I swear I always gave everything, not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. “I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to make you happy and to make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
There is not much time left and several chapters are coming to a close. This one hurts me big time. I adore, I loved and I will always enjoy being in the national team. I gave all that I could give and I have nothing more to give.
“Plus there’s some good young players coming through that should be in here.
“Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside Now I’ll be one of you, always a fan from outside, in good times and much more in difficult ones.
Thank you to my family for always being there for me and for being on this beautiful but hard road with me. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I got to share it with. I carry with me unforgettable experiences and moments.
I leave at peace and with satisfaction knowing that together with my comrades we brought you moments we once dreamed of.” It was ridiculous to go through all this with you. I love you!
Thank you God for making me Argentinian.
“Go Argentina!
I composed these words July 21st, two days after the last game. “Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m more convinced of this decision than before.
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