In an emotional statement, the 39-year-old revealed that he had reached the conclusion to step away just two days after the tournament final. He noted that the recent passing of his father, Jorge, served to solidify his resolve regarding the decision. Messi, who will continue his club career with Inter Miami, leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, leadership, and a long list of major honours.
A Decorated Legacy for Argentina
Since making his senior international debut on August 17, 2005, against Hungary at the age of 18, Messi has been the focal point of Argentine football. Over the course of 207 appearances, he recorded 125 goals and provided 65 assists. His tenure was highlighted by the 2022 FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar, where he also claimed his second Golden Ball award. His trophy cabinet with the national team also includes back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima trophy, an Olympic Gold Medal from the 2008 Beijing Games, and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Reflecting on his two-decade journey, Messi expressed his gratitude to the fans and his teammates. He acknowledged that while the decision to retire was painful, he felt it was the right moment to step aside for the next generation of talent. He emphasised that he had given everything he could for the national shirt, stating that he no longer had anything left to give to the team. Messi concluded his statement by affirming his lifelong support for Argentina, noting that he will now transition from a player to a supporter, cheering for the team from the outside.
