Lionel Messi has penned an emotional message to Argentina fans after announcing his retirement from international football.
The superstar confirmed the news just over six weeks after his country’s World Cup final defeat to Spain – his last-ever international match. The 39-year-old leaves behind a legacy including a famous World Cup win in 2022 and two Copa America titles across more than 200 caps.
Messi relayed his announcement next to a picture on Instagram of notes that he wrote on July 21, just two days after the defeat to Spain, confirming he was ending his Argentina career.
Messi also cited the recent death of his father Jorge as a contributing factor to his decision.
Here is Messi’s statement in full: “I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final… today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment. I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.
“Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here. “Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.
“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you! Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!”
Messi retires as Argentina’s record appearance maker having made his debut back in August 2005. He is also his country’s record scorer with 125 goals and has lifted the Under-20s World Cup and won Olympic gold in 2008.
