BREAKING NEWS: Lionel Messi Announces His Retirement From the Argentine National Team After a Historic Career

Messi bids farewell to the national team

Lionel Messi, captain and icon of Argentine soccer, officially announced his retirement from the national team. At the age of 39, the star from Rosario closes a glorious chapter that made him a global icon and an eternal idol for millions of fans. With more than 185 games played and as the all-time top scorer for the Albiceleste, his decision marks the end of an era

The Captain's farewell message to his followers

"After this time that has passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to inform you all that I am retiring from the National Team...

It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in the soul, but I understand that it is the moment. I swear to you that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when everything was won, but before that too, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

There's little time left and stages are closing, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being in the National Team. I gave everyhting, I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are very talented young players coming up behind who deserve to be there.

Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss listening to you from the inside a lot. Now I will be just one of you, cheering and supporting always from the outside (in good and bad times more).

Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thanks to each one of the coaches, teammates, and leaders I had the chance to share this journey with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments lived.

I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dreamful moments. It was crazy to have experienced it with you. I love you!

Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

Let's go Argentina!"

A legacy of titles and emotions

Messi led Argentina to win the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the recent 2024 Copa América. These achievements not only restored glory to the national team, but also cemented his status as the undisputed leader. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner leaves international competition with a record that places him among the greatest of all time. His retirement from the national team has a profound impact on Argentine and world soccer, as the world bids farewell to a player who redefined what it means to be a number 10

The future in the United States

Although he is bidding farewell to the national team, Messi will continue his career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he has a current contract. His presence in the MLS will continue to attract crowds and boost the growth of soccer in the region

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