Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the national team, bringing an emotional end to a journey spanning 20 years.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram today, August 31, Messi said the decision had taken him a lot of time and reflection, describing it as one that “hurt and hurts deep in the soul.”
“After all this time since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to inform everyone that I am retiring from the National Team.”
The Argentine captain said he always gave everything for the national team, through both the difficult years and the periods of success, adding that he has now reached a point where he has “nothing left to give.”
“I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
Messi said the emergence of young players also made him feel it was the right time to step aside.
“I poured everything out, I have no more left to give, and besides, incredible young players are coming behind who deserve to be here.”
The 39-year-old said leaving the national team was one of the hardest stages of his life to close, stressing that he would continue to support Argentina from outside.
“Now I am going to be one more of you, cheering and supporting always from the outside, in the good times and in the bad, so much more.”
Messi also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and supporters for being part of his journey and the memories he will carry with him.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dream moments.”
He ended his message with a tribute to his country, saying:
“Thank God for making me Argentine. Let’s go Argentina!”
