Messi retires from international football as Argentina icon drops emotional statement

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football - a decision he admits still hurts, but one he believes has come at the right time, saying he has 'nothing more to give' in an emotional statement. Argentina's 1‑0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final proved to be Messi's final game for his country.

Posting on his Instagram, Messi released a statement saying: "After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team… It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, to my core, but I understand that it's the right time.

"I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football.

"There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I've given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.

"Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you all from the inside so much. Now I'm going to be just one of you, cheering and supporting you from the sidelines (in good times and bad, even more so).

"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to each and every one of the coaches, teammates, and managers I had the privilege of working with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. Messi continued: "I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, along with my teammates, dreamlike moments. It was incredible to have experienced it with you all. I love you!

"Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian. Go Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my dad, I'm even more convinced than before."

The World Cup winner lost his father Jorge to a long‑term illness earlier this month. During the World Cup in June, his family revealed that he had been dealing with a 'health‑related situation.'

After his father's death, Messi released a statement admitting he had 'quite a few doubts' about whether he would continue playing 'for much longer.'

He also revealed the extent of his struggle during Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain. "My legs couldn't go on any more,"he wrote. "This time I tried to push myself beyond my physical limits, but I couldn’t."

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Argentina reached the final for the second tournament in a row after their triumph in Qatar 2022, but were unable to secure back‑to‑back titles. Despite missing out on one last trophy for his country, Messi still finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists.

The Argentina legend, who made his debut in 2005, has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all‑time leading scorer and most‑capped player.

Messi has been at Inter Miami since 2023 after leaving Paris Saint‑Germain, but speculation over his future in the game continues. He has amassed almost 1200 senior appearances and scored close to 1000 goals across his career.

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