Lionel Messi made one of the most difficult decisions of his career, and surely of his entire life. Through an emotional post on Instagram, the Rosario star announced that he is leaving the Argentine National Team after more than two decades of career.
"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…", began the number 10 in his post.
The footballer explained that this is a decision that causes him deep pain, but he understands that the time has come to close his cycle with the Argentine jersey. "It was a decision that hurt and hurts in the soul but I understand that it is the moment. I swear that I always gave my all, not only in the last years when everything was won but also before, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football", he expressed.
The current forward of Inter Miami also referred to the inevitable generational change within the national team and assured that there are new players who deserve to take that place. "There is little left and stages are closing and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being in the National Team. I emptied myself, I have nothing more to give and besides, there are very talented young players coming up who deserve to be here", he stated.
The captain also thanked the support he received over the years. "Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the inside. Now I will be one more of you, cheering and supporting always from the outside (in good times and bad, much more)", he wrote.
In his message, he also had words for his family, coaches, teammates, and leaders who accompanied him throughout his extensive journey with the Argentine jersey. "Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to each of the coaches, teammates, and leaders I had the chance to share with. I take unforgettable memories and moments with me", he stated.
According to his own words, Messi said goodbye with the satisfaction of having achieved, along with his teammates, the main titles with the National Team and having been able to fulfill dreams that for years seemed elusive. "I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dreamed moments. It was crazy to have lived it with you. I love you!", he expressed.
Finally, the Rosario player closed his message with a phrase that summarized his bond with the country and the national team: "Thank you God for making me Argentine. Let's go Argentina!".
At the end of the post, Messi made a clarification about the moment he originally wrote the message. As he explained, these words were drafted on July 21, just two days after the final of the 2026 World Cup against Spain. "*I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever", he concluded.
The final numbers of Lionel Messi with the Argentine National Team
Since his debut in the senior team on August 16, 2005 in a friendly match against Hungary, where he lasted only 40 seconds on the field before being sent off, the Rosario star played 17,120 minutes wearing the Albiceleste jersey, distributed over 207 matches including friendlies, South American Qualifiers, Copa América, Finalissima, and World Cups. In these matches, he scored 125 goals, provided 68 assists, and received 9 yellow cards and 2 direct red cards.
In terms of titles, he won 4: 2 Copa América (2021 and 2024), 1 Finalissima (2022), and 1 World Cup (2022). Additionally, although not with the senior team, he was the U-20 World Champion in 2005 and Olympic Champion with the U-23 in Beijing 2008.
