Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football in an emotional video posted to Instagram on Sunday afternoon.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory, revealed he had drafted his farewell statement on July 21, just two days after that final triumph. His father Jorge’s death on August 8 at age 68 following a long illness only hardened his resolve. “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before,” Messi wrote in the caption.
Jorge Messi had served as his son’s agent throughout the career that established the forward as arguably the greatest player of his generation. The elder Messi’s passing came weeks after his son was seen in tears on the pitch during the World Cup tournament, later explaining the display stemmed from concern over his father’s declining health.
Messi’s retirement had been widely anticipated as the culmination of his international career. He framed the departure as painful but necessary. “It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come,” he said in the translated video statement.
The forward emphasized his complete commitment across two decades of national team service. “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,” he declared.
Messi pointed to the emergence of young talent as another factor in his timing. “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,” he continued. “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.”
The Barcelona legend’s international career spanned 21 years and included Copa América victories and the crowning 2022 World Cup title in Qatar. He exits as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having transformed a nation that had long agonized over its footballing near-misses.
His farewell message extended gratitude across multiple spheres of his football life. “Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much,” Messi shared. “Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad — especially the bad).”
The forward specifically thanked his family for enduring what he described as a journey both beautiful and difficult. He also acknowledged coaches, teammates and officials who shared the path, noting he would carry “unforgettable memories and moments.”
Messi concluded with a reflection on collective achievement and national identity. “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you—alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of,” he stated. “It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!”
His final words in the statement returned to patriotic and spiritual themes that have marked his public persona. “Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!” he exclaimed.
The retirement leaves Messi focused entirely on club football with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he joined in 2023 and helped deliver the Leagues Cup title.