Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 21-year career with the national team to an end.
Idealplusgist reports that the 39-year-old football superstar made the announcement on Monday in an emotional post on Instagram, saying he had reached a point where he had given everything he could to the Argentine national team.
Messi admitted that the decision was painful but said he believed it was necessary, especially with a new generation of talented Argentine players emerging.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey with Argentina, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward said stepping away was one of the most difficult decisions he had ever made, but he remained convinced that the time was right.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time. I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” Messi said.
“I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to give you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
The Argentine icon said his farewell was particularly difficult because of his deep love for representing his country.
“There is not much time left, and chapters are coming to an end, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved and will always love being with the national team,” he stated.
“I gave everything I had, I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve to be there.”
Messi also expressed his gratitude to Argentina supporters for their unwavering support throughout his two decades with the national team. He said he would now watch and cheer for Argentina from outside the dressing room.
“Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from inside the team very much,” he said.
“Now I will be one of you, supporting and cheering from the outside, always — in the good times and the bad, even more so.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and directors who accompanied him throughout his international career.
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share this experience with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”
Messi said he was leaving the national team with a sense of pride over what he and his teammates achieved together.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we dreamed of. It was crazy to have lived it with you. I love you!”
He concluded his emotional message by saying, “Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.”
Messi further revealed that he had initially written the farewell message shortly after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
According to the veteran forward, he drafted the message on July 21, two days after the final, but decided against publishing it at the time.
He explained that a subsequent development involving his father later reinforced his decision to bring his international career to a close.
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