Lionel Messi announced on social media his permanent retirement from the Argentina national football team. The decision, made after the 2026 World Cup final, in which Argentina lost to Spain, was made public today, after weeks of reflection. The 39-year-old Argentine ace thus closes a chapter spanning more than twenty years with the Selección, the team with which he won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa Americas, transforming over the years his relationship with a country that had long demanded more from him than he could deliver.
The decision, however, had already been made. Messi said he wrote his farewell message on July 21st, two days after the World Cup final, and that he is even more convinced of his decision today, even after the death of his father Jorge.
"After all this time since the final, and after much reflection, I want to announce to everyone my retirement from the national team..." wrote 'la Pulce'. "It's a decision that deeply saddens me, but I understand it's the right time. I swear I've always given my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but even before. I've always fought and given everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinians through football. There's not much time left; the chapters are closing, and this is one of the ones that hurts me the most. I have loved, loved, and will always love the national team. I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give."
After 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, Messi leaves the national team as a world champion and a key figure in one of the most important eras in its history. His adventure with the Albiceleste began in 2005 and, after years marked by painful defeats and lost finals, culminated with the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Final, and most importantly, the World Cup triumph in Qatar. Now, the number 10 is making way for a new generation, knowing that the time has come to close the chapter. But even without playing for Argentina, Messi assures that he will continue to support them as a fan: "Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside."
(Unioneonline/D)