Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, closing a historic international career spanning more than two decades with the Albiceleste. The 39-year-old forward revealed his decision through a heartfelt written statement and a companion video, explaining that a combination of physical exhaustion and personal reflection led him to conclude that the time had come to step aside for younger generations.
The Decision Behind the Announcement and Personal Reflections
According to reports from CNN Español, Messi originally drafted his farewell letter on July 21, just two days after Argentina competed in the 2026 World Cup final. However, he chose to delay its public release until August 31, following the August 8 passing of his father, Jorge Messi. The death of his father, who also served as his longtime representative, left a profound mark on the player and solidified a choice he had already begun contemplating.
“Siempre dejé todo, no solo los últimos años que se ganó todo, antes también,” Messi wrote in his open letter, noting that he always fought to bring pride and joy to his compatriots. Explaining his physical and mental state after years at the elite level, he added, “Me vacié, ya no tengo más para dar y aparte vienen chicos muy grandes atrás que merecen estar.” (“I emptied myself, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great kids coming up behind who deserve to be there.”) Describing the departure as a choice that hurts his soul, he affirmed his eternal love for the national side: “Amo, amé y amaré siempre estar en la Selección.”
A Record-Breaking Legacy with the Albiceleste
Messi departs the senior national team as its undisputed talisman and record-holder. Over 207 appearances for the senior squad, he netted 125 goals, establishing himself as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer. His international journey transformed dramatically in the twilight of his career as he captured the major trophies that had eluded him for years: the Copa América in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, the historic FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, and a second Copa América crown in 2024, followed by another run to the World Cup final in 2026.
Minutes after releasing his written statement, Messi published a moving video across his social media channels featuring highlights from his two decades in the iconic sky-blue and white stripes. Set to the song “Brindis” by Argentine artist Soledad, the footage traced his arc from a young prospect asking to play for his country all the way to global glory in Qatar and his final matches in 2026, capturing triumphs, injuries, tears, and celebrations.
Fan Reactions and Tributes Across Argentina
The news resonated deeply across Argentina on a grey Monday morning, sparking an outpouring of emotion from fans, former teammates, and sports figures. TN reported widespread sadness and shock among supporters interviewed on the streets, many of whom reflected on how normalized it had become to watch the sport’s greatest player represent their country. Tributes also poured in from figures across sports and culture, including former teammates Ángel Di María and Rodrigo De Paul, racing driver Franco Colapinto, and manager Xavi Hernández, who offered messages of gratitude and support.
In his closing remarks, Messi expressed deep gratitude to his family, coaching staffs, teammates, officials, and the supporters who stood by him through every high and low. “Voy a extrañar mucho escucharlos desde adentro. Ahora voy a ser uno más de ustedes, alentando y bancando siempre desde afuera,” he wrote. He concluded his farewell with a final nod to his national identity: “Gracias Dios por hacerme argentino. ¡Vamos Argentina!”
Club Career Continues in Inter Miami
While his chapter with the national team has officially closed, Messi’s club career remains active. Just days before his announcement, he delivered a stellar four-goal performance—known as a poker—to help Inter Miami secure a 7-1 victory over CF Montréal on Saturday. Across his professional career, Messi has accumulated 927 goals in numerous matches, keeping the milestone of countless career goals well within his reach as he continues to play club football in Major League Soccer.
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