The letter with which Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the National Team
Lionel Messi communicated his decision through a handwritten letter that he posted on Instagram. He explained that he had drafted the message on July 21.
The Argentine captain was seen with his family during a practice session of Inter Miami and had a gesture with a fan
Lionel Messi communicated his decision through a handwritten letter that he posted on Instagram. He explained that he had drafted the message on July 21.
A video of Lionel Messi with Antonela Roccuzzo and their children went viral on social media following the announcement of his retirement from the Argentine National Team
The images were taken during a practice at the Inter Miami academy, where the family closely followed the training of one of the kids.
In the images, Lionel Messi is seen sitting under a tent next to Antonela Roccuzzo. The footballer is wearing a horizontally striped shirt, shorts, and is barefoot.
While the kids are doing various exercises on the field, Messi and Antonela watch the training from outside. The couple's children are wearing the pink jersey of Inter Miami.
When Antonela sits down, Messi takes the thermos and starts drinking mate while observing the activity. At the end, both leave the place in a golf cart.
During their exit, a fan greets the Argentine captain. Messi responds with a smile and raises his right thumb towards the fan.
The text was written two days after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, Messi decided not to publish it at that time.
“It was a decision that hurt and hurts in the soul, but I understand that it is the moment”, the captain wrote in his farewell.
The post came after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, which occurred on August 8 in Rosario. “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than before”, he added.
With the jersey of the Argentine National Team, Messi won the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and the Finalissima in 2022.
Additionally, he played in the World Cup finals of 2014 and 2026. After the announcement, Antonela also posted a letter on social media dedicated to their three children.