Argentina’s captain and global soccer icon Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday. The 39‑year‑old shared the news via Instagram, saying the decision “hurts” but that he understands “the time has come.”
Personal tribute and final reflections
Messi’s post included a solemn footnote referencing his father, Jorge Messi, who died earlier this month in Rosario at age 68. “I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before,” Messi wrote.
He added, “I have always given my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
Career highlights
Messi finishes his international career with 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him Argentina’s all‑time leading scorer and most‑capped player. He helped the nation capture its third World Cup title in 2022 and added Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024 after a brief retirement in 2016.
The 2026 World Cup, Messi’s sixth, saw Argentina reach the final against Spain, ultimately losing 1‑0 in extra time. Messi’s performance earned him a second World Cup Golden Ball, and he now ranks second on the all‑time World Cup goal list with 21 goals, behind France’s Kylian Mbappé.
Looking ahead for Argentina
Messi expressed confidence in the next generation, noting that “some brilliant young players are coming through who deserve their place.” Argentina will next compete in the 2028 Copa América, with Messi turning 41 that year, and the 2030 World Cup, where he will be 43.
Club future
While Messi did not discuss his club future in the Instagram post, he remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2025. The Argentine star has been a key figure in Major League Soccer since joining the club in 2023, scoring four goals in his most recent match.
Legacy
Messi concluded his message with gratitude: “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only have dreamed of. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Come on, Argentina!”
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
