Lionel Messi Announces He’s Officially Done

Messi Explains The Timing Behind His Decision

The Inter Miami star revealed he’d actually written the message weeks earlier, just two days after Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final.

“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote. “It was a decision that hurt and one that still hurts me deep down even now, but I understand that the time has come for it. I always loved being with the national team. I always gave everything, and now I have nothing more to offer, and besides, great young players are coming through who have earned their place.”

Messi added a note at the end of his post explaining what pushed him to finally share it.

“I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final,” he wrote. “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”

The forward’s father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, died Aug. 8 in Rosario at age 68 after months of declining health. Messi had hinted at the possibility of retirement in a heartfelt tribute to his father just weeks earlier, admitting he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play.

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Messi closed his statement by reflecting on his 21-year international career.

“I swear to you, I always gave everything, not only in the past few years, when we won everything, but before that as well,” he wrote. “I always fought and gave everything for this shirt in order to give you joy and make you proud through football to be Argentinian.”

He concluded with a message of gratitude.

“I am leaving with the calm and pride of having given you dream moments together with my teammates. It was crazy to be able to experience all this with you. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian.”

Messi retires as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most capped player, finishing with 124 goals across 203 appearances.

His résumé includes the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup, where his celebration became one of the tournament’s defining images as he lifted Argentina to its first title in 36 years.

He’ll continue playing club soccer for Inter Miami in MLS.