31/08/2026
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi’s statement in full as he announces his retirement from the Argentina national team:
"After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to let everyone know that I’m retiring from the national team…
"It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that the time has come. I swear I always gave everything I had, not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football.
"There isn’t much time left, and chapters are starting to come to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I emptied myself. I have nothing more to give, and there are some incredible young players coming through who deserve to be here.
"Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from inside the pitch. Now I’ll be one of you, cheering and supporting the team from the outside, always, through the good times and the bad, especially the bad.
"Thank you to my family for always being there and for accompanying me on this journey, which has been so beautiful but also so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the privilege of sharing it with. I leave with unforgettable memories and moments.
"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of knowing that, together with my teammates, we gave you moments we once only dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you all!
"Thank you God for making me Argentine.
"Come on, Argentina!
"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more certain of my decision than I was before."
