Argentina icon Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a legendary 20-year career with La Albiceleste.
The 39-year-old maestro shared the news through an emotional Instagram post featuring a handwritten letter written across three notebook pages, revealing that his decision had been finalised weeks earlier.
“I gave everything I had” — Messi reflects on decision
In his statement, Messi disclosed that he originally wrote the farewell letter on July 21, just two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain. He explained that the recent passing of his father, Jorge Messi, who died at age 68 following an illness, confirmed that it was time to close this chapter.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”
He emphasised his commitment to the national shirt throughout his career, adding: “I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
Passing the torch to a new generation
Messi leaves behind an unmatched legacy as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 international appearances. After years of heartbreak, he famously captained Argentina to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.
Acknowledging the country’s rising talent, Messi noted that the future of Argentine football is in good hands.
“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give,” he said. “Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.”
Grateful farewell to fans and family
Concluding his statement, Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and supporters who stood by him throughout his international journey.
“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones,” Messi expressed. “I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you! Thank you God, for making me Argentine.”
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