Messi Retires From Argentina National Team For Second Time

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team for the second time, saying he has reached a point where he has “nothing more to give” after two decades of international football.

Messi made the announcement on Monday in an emotional statement reflecting on the period since Argentina’s latest final, saying the decision had caused him considerable pain but that he was convinced it was the right moment to step away.

“After this time that has passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to inform everyone that I am retiring from the National Team,” Messi said.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment.”

The Inter Miami forward said he had always given everything for Argentina, insisting his commitment to the national team extended beyond the period in which he finally began winning major international trophies.

“I swear I always gave everything, not just the last few years when everything was won, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, for giving them joy and making them proud to be Argentinians through football,” he said.

Messi, who has represented Argentina for about 20 years, acknowledged that his international career was approaching its final chapter and said the emergence of younger players had also influenced his decision.

“There is little left and chapters are closing, and this one hurts me a lot,” he said.

“I loved, loved, and will always love being in the National Team. I emptied myself, I no longer have anything more to give, and besides, there are very great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

The 39-year-old thanked Argentine supporters for their backing throughout his international career and said he would now support the national team from outside the dressing room.

“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 (in good times and bad, much more),” Messi said.

He also paid tribute to his family, coaches, teammates and officials who accompanied him throughout his career with Argentina.

“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey,” he said.

“Thank you to each of the coaches, teammates, and leaders I had the chance to share with. I take away memories and unforgettable moments lived.”

Messi said he was leaving the national team with a sense of fulfilment after helping Argentina experience some of the most successful years in its football history.

“I am leaving with the peace and pride of having given them, together with my teammates, dream moments. It was crazy to have lived it with you. I love you!” he said.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner ended his message by thanking God for making him Argentine.

“Thank you God for making me Argentine.

“Go Argentina!”

Messi also revealed that the statement was originally written on July 21, two days after the final, but said developments involving his father had strengthened his decision.

“These words I wrote on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my dad, I am more convinced than before,” he added.

This is the second time Messi has announced his retirement from international football.

His first retirement came in June 2016 after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final in the United States.

The defeat was particularly painful for Messi after he missed Argentina’s first penalty in the shootout, with Chile eventually winning the tournament 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw.

Shortly after the defeat, Messi announced his decision to quit international football at the age of 29.

“I think this is it for me with the national team,” Messi said at the time.

“I tried so hard to be champion with Argentina, but I couldn’t.”

However, Messi reversed his decision several months later and returned to international duty.

His return ultimately paved the way for the most successful period of his Argentina career.

Messi led Argentina to their first major senior international trophy in 28 years at the 2021 Copa America, where they defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final at the Maracana.

He then captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, scoring twice in the final against France before converting his penalty during the shootout.

Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after the final ended 3-3 following extra time, giving Messi the World Cup title that had eluded him throughout his career.

He subsequently helped Argentina retain the Copa America in 2024, adding another major international trophy to his collection.

Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having established himself as one of the greatest footballers in the country’s history.