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Lionel Messi Announces International Retirement After 20 Years With Argentina
Lionel Messi Announces International Retirement After 20 Years With Argentina; Internet Reacts: 'The End Of An Era'
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Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at 39, closing the chapter on an extraordinary 20-year career with Argentina that transformed him from a figure of heartbreak into a national hero.
The Argentina captain made the announcement on Monday through an Instagram post featuring a handwritten note in Spanish. Messi, who has represented his country at six World Cups, said the decision was painful but that he believes the time has come to step away from the national team.
“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…" Messi wrote.
Reflecting on his journey, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he had always given everything for the national team, including during the difficult years before Argentina began its run of major international successes.
“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 said.
Messi’s decision comes after he captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar and later led the side to the 2026 final, where Argentina lost to Spain. His international career also included back-to-back Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024.
The retirement marks the end of an era for one of Argentina’s most celebrated sporting figures. Messi is the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having recorded 125 goals in 207 appearances. He is also the highest-scoring male player in South American football history.
His success with Argentina was particularly significant given the struggles he endured earlier in his international career. Before finally lifting major trophies, Messi had captained Argentina in three consecutive finals without winning any of them. In 2016, following another heartbreaking defeat, he even announced his international retirement before reversing the decision.
His eventual return paved the way for one of the most successful periods in Argentina’s football history. The team ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy by winning the 2021 Copa América, followed it with another Copa América title in 2024 and then lifted the World Cup in 2022, Argentina’s first since 1986 and third overall.
In his farewell message, Messi acknowledged that his time with the national team had reached its conclusion, saying, “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply." He added that he had “nothing left to give" and pointed towards the emergence of younger players who deserve their opportunity.
Messi also thanked Argentina supporters for their affection throughout his 20 years with the national team, saying he would miss hearing them from the pitch and would now support the team from outside.
His announcement also contained a deeply personal note. Messi revealed that he had written the words on July 21, two days after the final, but said he had become even more certain about his decision following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8. Jorge Messi died at a hospital in Rosario at the age of 68.
The retirement announcement prompted an outpouring of emotion from Messi’s family, football officials and supporters.
His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, shared an emotional tribute, writing, “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".
Argentina president Javier Milei also paid tribute to the football icon, writing on Instagram in Spanish: “Thank you very much, impossible man."
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 also honoured its captain, writing: “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."
“Your unconditional love for our country, your internal battles to never give up, your strength to always endure injustices, your leadership and human quality with every player who entered the stadium to make you feel good, the details with every worker of our national team.. Just thank you, the greatest of all history, thank you for making us so but so happy, you can’t imagine how many smiles you brought out!! You are eternal 😢" said one user.
“THANK YOU ALWAYS. WE WILL MISS YOU ALL OUR LIFE, CAPTAIN ❤️" said another.
“Really a huge sadness, one never prepares for these things, but with all my heart THANK YOU!! You are my example and the example for everyone, winner in football and winner in life!! My daughter is going to be so proud that her dad shared team with an amazing human being. You are the best sportsman in history because of football the truth there is no comparison. I love you so much 😭♥️" said a third.
“There are no words of thanks that will ever reach.. we are lucky to have had and enjoyed you for so long thanks for having risen again and again and given everything to make a whole country happy you are the example of all !!!!! ❤️❤️❤️" said a fourth.
“Thank you for getting up every time you fell. You are and will be an example to millions of people. Because even winning it all, we have learned more from your defeats. You have managed to leave your own presence and remain in others, that makes you an immortal Leo 🤍 THANK YOU !!! 🙏" said another.
“@leomessi thanks to you and for being the GOAT of all time in at least 3 decade’s. Also, thank you inspiring me and for being my football idol. 😢❤️🐐👏🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾" one more user wrote.
“Happy retirement 🐐💔You were never just a footballer to me Leo.You were the reason I fell in love with the game, the inspiration behind every dream, and a reminder to never give up. If this is truly the end with the national team, thank you for every memory, every tear, every celebration, and every moment of My childhood hero. My forever GOAT. Thank you, Leo Messi 🐐❤️🙌" said one more user.
Lionel Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami despite retiring from international football.
Source: News18
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