Lionel Messi announced this Monday his definitive retirement from the Argentine National Team through a handwritten letter published on Instagram, bringing an end to a 20-year career with the Albiceleste that included some of the most glorious moments in South American football.
"After the time that has passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to inform everyone that I am retiring from the national team," wrote the Rosario star in three notebooks photographed on a sofa, alongside a gold pen.
The text was written on July 21, two days after the final of the 2026 World Cup, but Messi waited until this Monday to make it public, driven by a devastating personal reason: the death of his father, Jorge Messi, which occurred on August 8 at the age of 68 in the Centro Sanatorio of Rosario. "Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever," he noted at the end of the letter.
The death of Jorge Messi, who was also his representative for decades, marked the definitive moment to close this chapter.
In his farewell, Messi candidly explained the reasons behind his decision: "I emptied myself, I no longer have anything left to give, and besides, there are younger players coming up who deserve to be there." He acknowledged that the decision "hurt and still hurts the soul," but he asserted that he understood it was the right time.
Argentina reached the final of the 2026 World Cup on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where they fell to Spain 1-0 in extra time, with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. Messi, at 39 years old, completed the tournament with eight goals and four assists, tying Cafu's record as the only player to appear in three World Cup finals.
After the defeat, Messi appeared heartbroken on the field and posted: "The pain is immense, and it will be difficult to heal this wound."
This is not the first time the forward has announced his departure from the national team. In June 2016, after losing the final of the Copa América Centenario to Chile, he made a similar announcement that he later reversed. This time, however, the tone of the letter and the personal circumstances suggest an irreversible decision.
With 125 goals in 207 matches, Messi is the all-time leading scorer for the Albiceleste. Under his leadership, Argentina won the Copa América 2021, the Finalissima 2022, the Qatar World Cup 2022, and the Copa América 2024.
The coach Lionel Scaloni described Messi as "pure history," "a legend," and "the best footballer the world has ever seen," emphasizing that reaching a World Cup final at 39 years old is "incredible."
Messi concluded his letter with a promise and a message of gratitude: "I leave with the peace and pride of having shared, together with my teammates, dream moments with you. It was incredible to have experienced it with you. I love you all! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let's go, Argentina!"
Related videos:
Filed under: