Lionel Messi, the Argentine legend who turned 39 this year, has officially declared his retirement from playing for the national side. The eight‑time Ballon d'Or winner, who captained Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 2022, once again proved his class by steering the team to the final of the 2023 tournament, only to fall short against Spain.
After more than two decades of representing his country, Messi has decided to hang up his Argentina jersey, concluding a record‑setting tenure that includes 125 goals in 207 appearances – the highest tally ever recorded by an Argentine player. Messi's international résumé is unrivaled. He has lifted every major trophy on offer to a national side: two Copa América crowns (2021 and 2024), the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the inaugural Finalissima in 2022, where Argentina defeated Europe’s champions.
His achievements place him among the most decorated footballers in history, and his departure marks the end of an era for Argentine football. The decision was hinted at earlier in August, when Messi posted an emotional message on social media after the death of his father, Jorge, who had long acted as his agent and confidant. In a later Instagram statement, Messi revealed that he had actually drafted the retirement note on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, describing the words as "deeply painful". He explained that, following his father's passing, he felt even more certain that his time with the national team had come to an end, stating, "I have nothing left to give." Argentina’s loss to Spain – a 1‑0 defeat in extra time courtesy of Ferran Torres – was the final chapter of Messi’s World Cup saga.
The match, played on July 19, was expected to be Messi’s swan song, as he will be 43 by the time the next tournament rolls around in 2030. The defeat, coupled with the grief of losing his father in his hometown of Rosario, cemented his resolve to step away. In his heartfelt farewell, Messi recalled the desire to win the trophy for his father, saying, "I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you a new one. I couldn't, my legs had nothing left." He described his attempt to push beyond his physical limits in the final, acknowledging that his body could no longer meet the demands of elite competition.
"I never managed to feel right," he admitted, expressing both physical fatigue and emotional exhaustion. Messi also spoke of his father's lasting influence, promising to pass on the lessons learned to his own children. "I am going to miss you a lot, but you will always be present, especially in the education of my children, because I teach them and educate them as you did with me.
Rest in peace and take care of us from above like you did here. Thanks for everything.
I love you, dad," he wrote, blending personal grief with gratitude. The Argentine captain's official retirement announcement continued with a reflective tone: "After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team... It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come.
I swear to you that I always gave it my all—not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football." He acknowledged the inevitable passage of time and the rise of younger talent: "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.
I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here." Messi's gratitude extended to fans, family, coaches, teammates, and officials, all of whom he thanked for a career filled with "unforgettable memories and moments." Concluding his message, Messi expressed a profound sense of peace and pride: "I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you—alongside my teammates—moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.
Let's go, Argentina!" He reiterated that the words were originally penned on July 21, and that his father's passing only reinforced his resolve. Messi's retirement leaves a monumental void in Argentine football, but it also opens the door for a new generation of talent to emerge. His legacy will endure not only through the trophies and records but also through the inspiration he provides to future players.
As fans worldwide reflect on his contributions, the football community will remember Messi not just as a prolific scorer, but as a symbol of dedication, humility, and the unyielding spirit of Argentina on the global stage.