Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina National Team
- Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, stating that his decision to step away from the Albiceleste was deeply painful but necessary after a career...
- According to BBC News Mundo, Messi described the exit by writing that it was a decision that hurt and hurt in the soul, though he understood the moment...
- The Inter Miami star revealed that he originally penned his farewell message on July 21, just two days after losing the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, though...
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, stating that his decision to step away from the Albiceleste was deeply painful but necessary after a career spanning more than two decades, according to BBC News Mundo and additional reports. The 39-year-old forward, who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, made the announcement public through a message on his Instagram account. Messi explained that the choice came after extensive reflection following the conclusion of recent international competition.
A Painful Decision After Decades with the Albiceleste
According to BBC News Mundo, Messi described the exit by writing that it was a decision that hurt and hurt in the soul, though he understood the moment had arrived. He finished his international career having appeared in 207 matches for Argentina, scoring 125 goals, and capturing both the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles. “Me vacié, ya no tengo más para dar y aparte vienen chicos muy grandes atrás que merecen estar”, wrote Messi, as reported by BBC News Mundo, indicating that he felt physically empty of further contribution while acknowledging emerging younger talent ready to take his place.
Timing and Personal Context Behind the Retirement
The Inter Miami star revealed that he originally penned his farewell message on July 21, just two days after losing the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, though he chose to hold off on releasing it immediately. Reporting from BBC News Mundo notes that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8 in Rosario at age 68 following a prolonged illness ultimately solidified the choice. “Hoy después de lo de mi papá, estoy más convencido que antes”, Messi wrote, cementing a departure that concludes an era for South American football.
“Después de este tiempo que passed desde la final, pensándolo mucho, quiero comunicarles a todos que me retiro de la Selección.”
Lionel Messi via BBC News Mundo Teammates across the national team responded to the departure with public messages of gratitude, bidding farewell to the captain who broke records of matches and goals throughout his tenure with the Albiceleste.