Lionel Messi has declared his retirement from the Argentina national team, stating that the passing of his father has reinforced his belief that it is time to conclude his international career.
Argentina’s Captain Considers Retirement After World Cup Loss
Following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 19, the team’s captain has announced that he is contemplating retirement. In a heartfelt statement, he revealed that this decision has been on his mind since the loss, highlighting the emotional toll of the match and its aftermath.
Messi Announces Departure from National Team After Two Decades
Lionel Messi has confirmed his departure from the Argentina national team, a decision he described as deeply painful. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment,” Messi stated.
Reflecting on his twenty-year tenure with the national squad, Messi expressed gratitude towards his family, coaches, teammates, and officials who supported him throughout his journey. He said, “Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing from you from the inside a lot. Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside.”
During his time with the national team, Messi played a crucial role in Argentina’s triumphs, including the 2021 and 2024 Copa América tournaments, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also guided Argentina to the final of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
