Lionel Messi Retirement: World's greatest footballer and Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. Messi will never be seen playing in Argentina's jersey again. The final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 proved to be the last match of his international career, in which Argentina had to face defeat against Spain. Messi has now said goodbye to international football forever. However, everyone already knew that Messi could announce his retirement after the FIFA World Cup, because he himself had said that this would be his last World Cup.
leonus messi took retirement from international football
Leonce Semi shared an emotional post on his official Instagram account, in which he wrote, After a lot of thought in the time that has passed since the final, I want to tell you all that I am retiring from the national team (Argentina)… It was a decision that shook my soul and still hurts today, but I think this is the right time. I swear to God that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but even before that. I always fought for this jersey and risked everything to bring you happiness and make you proud to be Argentinian through football.
Chapters of life are closing – Messi
Messi further wrote, “There is very little time left and chapters of life are closing, and it is a chapter that it pains me to close. I have always loved being in the national team, I have loved it and I will always love it. I am completely exhausted, now I have nothing left to give and besides, there are amazing young players coming up behind who deserve to be here.”
Lionel Messi thanked everyone for the support he received in the last 21 years. He said, “I will miss hearing your voices from inside the field. Now I too, being one of you, will cheer the team the most in good times and bad times. Thank you to my family for always being there for me and supporting me in this very beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammates and officials with whom I got the opportunity to work. I take with me the unforgettable moments and memories I have lived.”
Messi also revealed that he had written these words of retirement two days after the FIFA World Cup final and after family circumstances, he is completely confident about his decision. He said in the post, “I leave with such relief and pride that I, along with my colleagues, gifted you moments that we had only dreamed of. It was crazy to live it with you. I love you all! Thank God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina (Come on Argentina)!”
How was Lionel Messi's international career?
Lionel Messi's 21-year international career was historic, in which he scored 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 matches. Initially, he had to face criticism for not winning any major title for the country, but later he ended Argentina's 28-year drought. Under his captaincy, Messi proved himself as one of the best captains in football history by winning the titles of 2021 and 2024 Copa America, 2022 Finalsima, and most importantly, 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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