Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine national team this Monday via a statement released on social media. The 39-year-old forward explained that the decision, while painful, was one he had weighed carefully.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and much reflection, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the national team… It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that the time has come,” the note reads. The player affirmed that he had always given his all for the *Albiceleste* squad. “I swear I always left it all on the field—not just in recent years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he stated.
Messi admitted to feeling drained and believed it was the right moment to make way for a new generation. “I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give. Besides, there are some very talented young players coming up who deserve to be here,” he added, emphasizing that bringing this chapter to a close “hurts deeply.”
In his statement, the captain expressed gratitude for the support he received over two decades. “Thank you for all the affection over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch. Now I’ll be just like one of you, always supporting from the outside—through the good times and the bad (especially the bad),” he promised.
He also extended his thanks to the family, coaches, teammates, and officials who had been part of his journey. “I take with me unforgettable memories and moments,” he shared, concluding: “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having gifted you—alongside my teammates—moments that were the stuff of dreams. 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!” With Argentina, Messi won the 2022 World Cup and was a World Cup runner-up in 2014 and 2026. He also won two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024), the 2022 Finalissima, the 2008 Olympic Games, and the 2005 U-20 World Cup. The 2026 World Cup final against Spain marked the forward’s farewell to the *Albiceleste*—the end of an era after 207 matches and 125 goals.
