Lionel Messi is bidding adios to international soccer.
In an Instagram post showing a handwritten notebook entry in Spanish, the 39-year-old Argentine soccer star announced he’s retiring from Argentina‘s national team.
And in a footnote at the end, Messi added: “*I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”
Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, died on August 8 at a hospital in the central Argentina city of Rosario. He was 68.
Messi, who played in six FIFA World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026 losing to Spain.
The social media post said: “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 Argentina 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.
“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.
“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad — especially the bad).
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey — so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
“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!
“*I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”
The Argentina captain is his country’s all-time leading goal scorer and most capped player. Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 games for the national team.
He’s the highest-scoring man in South American soccer history.
When he led Argentina to the World Cup win in 2022, it was the country’s first in 36 years and its third overall.
Before that, Messi played an essential role in ending Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa América and then winning it again in 2024.
He previously announced his international retirement in 2016, having captained Argentina in three consecutive finals and failing to win any of them.
Messi reversed the decision not long after to eventually lead the country to those twin Copa América triumphs and the World Cup victory.
The retirement announcement sparked a wave of reactions.
Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, paid tribute to her husband with an emotional post on Instagram.
“I saw you keep going when things didn’t work out and always try again. And after so many years, I was also lucky enough to see you fulfill your dreams and live some of the happiest days of our lives. You deserved this story and so much more. We love you infinitely”, she wrote in Spanish.
Argentina president Javier Milei wrote on Instagram in Spanish, with the part after the comma in all caps: “Thank you very much, impossible man.”
In a bilingual post, FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Messi “for an extraordinary international career that has inspired millions of people and redefined our sport. Your magical talent and humility will be remembered forever.”
The Argentine Football Association wrote on its Spanish and English social media pages: “Thank you for everything, Leo. Thank you for representing Argentina. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for turning so many dreams into reality. The legend is yours, forever.”
Rodrigo De Paul, an Argentina and Inter Miami teammate, highlighted on social media, originally in Spanish, “your unconditional love for our country, your internal battles to never give up, your strength in always enduring injustices, and your leadership and character in your dealings with every player.”
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who made his Argentina debut just two months before winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar alongside Messi, saluted his former teammate in Spanish: “Thank you for the way you treated me, for everything you taught me, and for allowing me to share a part of your story. We’re going to miss you so much, captain.”
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