Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old emphasized that this decision pertains specifically to the national side and that he has not officially retired from professional football.
Messi reached out to fans:
After all the time that has passed since the final, and after long reflections, I want to let everyone know that I am ending my career with the national team. This decision has caused me pain and still resonates painfully within me, but I understand that now is the right time.
I swear I have always given my all. Not just in the last few years when we won everything, but even before that. I have always fought and devoted myself to this shirt, to bring you joy and to make you proud of being Argentinian.
Messi also acknowledged a feeling he has had about the end of his career:
There isn't much time left, and different chapters are coming to a close. This is one of those that causes me the most pain. I love, have loved, and will always love the national team. I have given everything I had, and I have nothing left to give. Moreover, there is a great generation of young players coming through who deserve to be here.
The captain expressed gratitude to Argentine fans for their unwavering support:
Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will truly miss hearing you from the pitch. Now I will become one of you and will always support the team from the sidelines — in good times and especially in bad times.
Messi also took a moment to thank his family and everyone he has worked with within the national setup:
Thank you to my family for always being there and accompanying me on this wonderful yet challenging journey. I am grateful to every coach, teammate, and official I have had the privilege to go through this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
In conclusion, Messi stated:
I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we provided you with moments that we once only dreamed of. It has been madness to experience all of this with you. I love you all! Thank God for making me Argentinian. Forward, Argentina!
According to Messi, he penned this message on July 21, just two days after the final, but decided to publish it later: Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more certain of this decision.
