Lionel Messi announced this Monday his definitive retirement from the Argentina National Team through a handwritten letter published on Instagram, in which he concluded a 20-year career with the Albiceleste that included some of the most glorious moments in South American football.
"After this time that has passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to communicate to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team," wrote the Rosario star on three pages of a notebook, which are photographed on a couch next to a golden pen.
Messi wrote the text on July 21, two days after the final of the 2026 World Cup, as he explained in the Instagram post, but waited until this Monday to make it public, driven by a devastating personal reason: the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8, at the age of 68, at the Centro Sanatorio in Rosario.
"Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than before," he clarified at the bottom 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 for his decision: "I have emptied myself, I no longer have anything left to give, and besides, there are very talented young players coming up who deserve to be there." He acknowledged that the decision "hurt and hurts in the soul," but affirmed that he understood it was the right moment.
The Argentine star thanked the fans "for all the love over these 20 years," and confessed: "I will miss hearing you from within. Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside (in good times and bad, even more)."
He also thanked his family "for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful yet difficult journey," and to each of the coaches, teammates, and leaders he shared experiences with. "I take unforgettable memories and moments with me," he stated.
Argentina reached the final of the 2026 World Cup on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where they were defeated by Spain 1-0 in extra time, with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute.
Messi, at 39 years old, had completed the tournament with eight goals and four assists, matching the record of Cafú as the only player to have participated in three World Cup finals.
After the defeat, Messi appeared devastated on the field and posted: "The pain is very great, and it's going to be hard to heal this wound."
This is not the first time the forward has announced his farewell to 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 a decision that is irreversible.
With 125 goals in 207 matches, Messi is the all-time top scorer for the Albiceleste. Under his leadership, Argentina won the Copa América 2021, the Finalissima 2022, the Qatar 2022 World Cup, 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," and emphasized that reaching a World Cup final at 39 years old is "incredible."
Messi closed his letter with a promise and a message of gratitude: "I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dream moments. It was crazy to have experienced this with you. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Go Argentina!"
Below is the full text of Lionel Messi's letter, published on August 31:
Después de este tiempo que pasó desde la final, pensándolo mucho, quiero comunicarles a todos que me retiro de la Selección…
Fue una decisión que dolió y duele en el alma pero entiendo que es el momento. Les juro que siempre dejé todo, no solo los últimos años que se ganó todo antes también y siempre peleé y me dejé todo por esta camiseta, por darles alegrías y hacer que se sientan orgullosos de ser argentinos a través del fútbol.
Queda poco y se van cerrando etapas y esta es una que me duele mucho. Amo, amé y amaré siempre estar en la Selección. Me vacié, ya no tengo más para dar y aparte vienen chicos muy grandes atrás que merecen estar.
Gracias por todo el cariño de estos 20 años. Voy a extrañar mucho escucharlos desde adentro. Ahora voy a ser uno más de ustedes, alentando y bancando siempre desde afuera (en las buenas y en las malas, mucho más).
Gracias a mi familia por estar siempre, por acompañarme en este viaje tan hermoso pero difícil. Gracias a cada uno de entrenadores, compañeros y dirigentes que me tocó compartir. Me llevo recuerdos y momentos inolvidables vividos.
Me voy con la tranquilidad y el orgullo de haberles regalado, juntos con mis compañeros, momentos soñados. Fue una locura haberlo vivido con ustedes. ¡Los quiero!
Gracias Dios por hacerme argentino.
¡Vamos Argentina!
*Estas palabras las escribí el 21 de julio, dos días después de la final. Hoy después de lo de mi papá, estoy más convencido que antes.
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