Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From International Football

FOOTBALL LEGEND Lionel Messi will no longer continue his international career with his national team Argentina. Messi announced his official retirement on his Instagram account. Lionel Messi went through his father’s death and talked about whether he’ll be able to continue football or not. On August 31, 2026, the 39-year-old wrote a letter on social media, “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.” 

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

After his announcement, his match against Spain in the World Cup final will now be remembered as his last in an Argentina jersey. Messi was able to win everything with his country after being called “an international failure.” He believes that he’s given his all to his teammates and family. He even said that he already wrote the letter on July 21, 2026, but wasn't convinced until his father's death

See Also: Jorge Messi Dies At 68 After Prolonged Health Battle: Report

Argentina Teammates Wrote Heartfelt Notes to their Captain

Lionel Messi’s international teammates have expressed their warm gratitude. They expected that this day would come and it was very much indicated after the 2026 World Cup. On social media, Defender Cristian Romero posted, “How crazy that the day has come, dear Leo,” Giovani Lo Celso said, “the day no one wanted to arrive has arrived,”

“Nine years listening to you, admiring you and learning by your side,” Lo Celso added. Every single one from Messi’s team felt nostalgic about how in their childhood they dreamt of meeting him and getting a chance to share the pitch with him one day. Nico Paz was just four years old and shared that, “used to watch you play with my dad and we would calculate together whether I would be in time to play with you.”

The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, a stranger had put up a red telephone for the passersby with a sign saying: “What would you say to Messi?” He received a message that said, “I’m 86 years old and you have given me the greatest joys in my life. You will be in my heart until the day I die.” Some boy burst into tears upon hearing the news in the school. A woman said, “we will miss you because you are an extraordinary being”, a little girl adds more by saying, “you’re the best and the greatest”. 

Many journalists, influencers and artists felt grateful for Messi’s goodwill and how great a human being he is. Lionel Messi may have retired from his national team and but he’ll always be remembered as an idol for his teammates. The weight of the Argentina team upon him was too much, he failed on occasions but rose inevitably and gave everything he had in him. Messi wanted to win the World Cup for his father, Jorge Messi but couldn’t. Now after his death, Messi is now free from the weight and this time the world accepts his exit.

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