Lionel Messi decided to end his international career after 21 years playing for Argentina.
Messi announced his decision to retire from the team on his social network accounts this evening, accompanied by a photo of a three-page letter. "A heartbreaking decision that still pains me to this day. But I know that the time has come," Messi wrote.
The striker born in 1987 said he wrote this farewell letter on July 21, two days after he and Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. After that, he was more confident than ever in his decision after experiencing the pain of losing his father, when Jorge passed away on August 8 at the age of 68 after a long battle with illness.
Messi debuted for Argentina at the age of 18 in a friendly match against Hungary on August 17, 2005. He was brought onto the field by then-team coach Jose Pekerman in the 63rd minute, but received a straight red card and was disqualified just two minutes later. In 2009, Messi was given shirt number 10 after Juan Roman Riquelme retired from the team, to begin the new journey of the legendary shirt number associated with Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona.
However, the years that followed saw the striker born in 1987 empty-handed with the team, despite winning every title with Barca and being considered the best player in the world. The period 2014 to 2016 was tragic for Messi, losing three consecutive finals of the 2014 World Cup, 2015 and 2016 Copa America.
At the age of 29, Messi announced his farewell to the team after missing a penalty in the shootout, causing Argentina to lose to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. About two months later, with the persuasion of many teammates and fans, Messi changed his mind. He has spent half a memorable decade with Argentina, winning Copa America 2021, 2024, Intercontinental Super Cup 2022 and World Cup 2022.
At the 2026 World Cup, the 39-year-old superstar still carried Argentina to the final, but collapsed before Spain's collective strength. The South American representative missed the opportunity to become the first team in the 21st century to successfully defend the World Cup championship. However, Messi is still considered the greatest player in world football history when considering his expertise, as well as his acquisition of all noble collective and individual titles.
In his letter, Messi affirmed that he always fights and devotes all his heart and soul for the national flag. He strives to bring joy and instill pride in being Argentine in the hearts of fans through football.
Messi wrote: "Time passes quickly. Chapters come to an end, and this is the chapter that hurts me the most. I love, have loved and will always love being part of the Argentina team. I gave everything I had. I have nothing more to give, and moreover, there are excellent young players rising. They deserve their own opportunity."
Afterwards, the former Barca striker thanked Argentina fans for their love for him over the past 20 years. He will not forget the cheers when standing on the field, and will now join the crowd cheering for the national team through all the ups and downs. Messi also brings with him family memories that have always accompanied him when joining the team, or standing side by side with generations of coaches, team members and teammates.
"I say goodbye with serenity and pride as I and my teammates brought everyone moments that were only dreamed of before," Messi said. "It was a wonderful experience to share these things with you. Love you all! Thank God for allowing me to be Argentine. Go, Argentina!".
About 20 minutes after posting the letter, Messi's accounts continued to post a 121-second video, with the opening image of Messi playing football as a child. Next is the part where the reporter asks "What is your dream?". Messi replied: "Playing for the Argentina national team." The video reviews his milestones and periods with the team over 20 years, and ends with the image of a sea of people celebrating the 2022 World Cup championship at Republica Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
