Lionel Messi retires from Argentina National Team, bids goodbye to international football

The football star Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina National Team, formally leaving international football.

The Inter Miami star announced his retirement from international football with the Argentina national team in a social media post.

Messi has enjoyed a vintage FIFA World Cup campaign, having won virtually every major trophy in club and international football.


Messi has cemented his legacy by setting several all-time FIFA World Cup records. In doing so, the Argentina captain has surpassed icons such as Pelé, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane to rank among the tournament's most accomplished players.

Also read: Lionel Messi retirement reason: Why did the football legend decide to stop playing for Argentina?

What did Messi say in his retirement message?

Bringing an end to his celebrated career with the Argentina national team, Messi confirmed his decision in an emotional statement, saying he had spent considerable time reflecting on his future following the team’s latest final. The Argentina captain acknowledged that stepping away was a painful decision but said he believed the time was right to leave international football.

"After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team..."

"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deeply, but I understand that it's the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few 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 proud to be Argentinian through football," he said.

"There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply."

"I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I've given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there."

"Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from inside the stadium. Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside, through the good times and the bad, even more so. Thank you to my family for always being there and for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and official I had the opportunity to share this journey with," he added.

Lionel Messi, in his retirement message, said, "I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only dream of. It was crazy to have lived it with you. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Come on, Argentina!"

"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than ever," he added.

The above message is roughly translated from Spanish.

Messi's retirement message comes soon after father's death

Messi's retirement statement comes less than a month after the soccer icon bid farewell Sunday to his father, the global star's emotional anchor and agent since childhood who passed away following a battle with cancer aged 68.

Messi burst into tears after scoring against Algeria, with the 39-year-old player admitting to be dealing with "a situation outside of sports".

"I went through a few difficult, complicated days," he later acknowledged, "but I am grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates, because they stood by me, as always."

Immediately after the FIFA World Cup final defeat against Spain, Messi had returned to spend a few days with his family in Rosario.