Lionel Messi officially closed his chapter with the Argentine National Team. After revealing a handwritten letter, the eternal captain of the albiceleste published a video that summarizes two decades of pure magic in the light blue and white jersey.
The audiovisual material gathers heartfelt moments from his international career, from those early steps as a promise to the most recent glories. Among the images, Diego Armando Maradona also appears, an unavoidable symbol in the history of Argentine football.
The decision came just two days after Messi shone with four goals in Inter Miami's 7-1 rout over CF Montreal. The announcement, made on Monday, marked the end of 21 years of national representation.
In the letter, the 39-year-old star was direct: “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...”. He added that it is a decision that “hurt and hurts in the soul,” although he understands that the moment has come.
A heartfelt and definitive farewell
Messi assured that he always gave his all for the jersey: “I swear that I always gave everything, not just 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 acknowledged that stages are closing and that this one hurts him especially. “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 wrote.
The message included thanks for the affection received over twenty years and to his family, who accompanied him on a beautiful but difficult journey. He also remembered coaches, teammates, and officials with whom he shared unforgettable moments.
Messi will remain linked to professional football. His contract with Inter Miami, valued at 75 million dollars annually and with equity participation in the club, extends until the end of the 2028 season. From the sidelines, he promised to always support and back the National Team, in good times and bad.
