Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an emotional end to a remarkable 20-year journey with the Argentina national team.
The Argentina captain revealed the decision in a deeply personal statement shared on Instagram, admitting that walking away from the national team was a painful choice but one he now believes is the right thing to do.
Messi said the decision had weighed heavily on him since the final, but insisted he had given everything he could to the famous blue-and-white shirt throughout his career.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi wrote.
“I swear that 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.”
The 39-year-old, who has enjoyed an extraordinary international career, said he feels there is little time left and that his chapter with Argentina has now reached its conclusion.
“There isn’t much time left, and chapters are coming to an end, and this is one that hurts me a lot,” he said.
“I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more to give, and there are also some incredible young players coming through who deserve their chance.”
Messi’s relationship with the Argentina national team has been defined by both heartbreak and unprecedented glory.
After years of painful defeats in major finals, the forward finally led Argentina to Copa América glory before going on to lift the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
Looking back on two decades with the national team, Messi thanked the supporters who stood by him through the highs and lows.
“Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you support us from inside the stadium,” he wrote.
“Now I’ll be just another one of you, always supporting from the outside, through the good times and especially through the bad.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also reserved special appreciation for his family, coaches, teammates and officials who accompanied him throughout his international career.
“Thank you to my family for always being there and for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey,” Messi said. “Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I had the chance to share this journey with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”
Messi departed on a note of immense pride, reflecting on the extraordinary success he shared with his teammates and the unforgettable memories they created for millions of Argentines.
“I leave with peace of mind and pride, knowing that together with my teammates, we gave you moments you could only dream of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!”
He ended his message with a line that captured the deep connection he has always had with his homeland.
“Thank God for making me Argentine.
Come on, Argentina!”
In a striking postscript, Messi disclosed that he had actually written the emotional statement on July 21, two days after the final, but chose not to publish it immediately.
He said events involving his father had since strengthened his resolve to step away.
“P.S. I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced than I was before.”
After two decades, countless records and a trophy cabinet filled with international honours, Messi is now preparing to watch Argentina from the other side of the touchline, no longer as its captain, but as one of its most devoted supporters.
