Argentine football superstar Messi officially hangs up his boots for the national team, an era ends

On Monday, Lionel Messi posted a handwritten letter on his personal social media, confirming to the public that he has officially retired from the Argentine national team.

The post was accompanied by a photo. In the letter, Messi wrote: "Days after the final, I have thought it over repeatedly and finally made the decision to say goodbye to my national team career... This decision pains me, but I know the time has come. I can promise you that I have always given everything—not only in the years when we won honors, but long before that; I have always given my all for this jersey, fighting to the last on the pitch, seeking only to bring joy to people through football and to be proud of being Argentine."

At the end of the letter, he added: "*I wrote this on July 21, two days after the final. Now, after what happened with my father, I am more certain of this choice than ever."

Messi's father, Jorge Messi, passed away on August 8 at a hospital in the central Argentine city of Rosario, at the age of 68.

As Argentina's captain, Messi scored 124 goals in 203 appearances for the national team, making him not only the country's all-time leading scorer but also its record appearance holder, as well as the highest-scoring player in South American football history.

In 2022, he led Argentina to World Cup glory, the nation's first title in 36 years and its third World Cup overall. Earlier, Messi had led the team to Copa América triumph in 2021, ending a 28-year trophy drought, and lifted the trophy again in 2024.

Looking back, he had announced his retirement from the national team in 2016 after Argentina suffered defeats in three consecutive major tournament finals. But not long after, he changed his mind and eventually led the team to World Cup glory.

"Time passes, and every chapter has its end, but this one hurts me especially. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I have given everything; I have nothing more to give, especially when there are many excellent young players who deserve their opportunity."

"Thank you all for two decades of companionship. I will miss every moment of hearing your chants on the pitch. From now on, I will be one of you, cheering for you from outside the stadium (in good times and bad—especially in bad times)."

"Thank you to my family for always being there, accompanying me through this beautiful yet difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and staff member. I leave with peace and pride, because we stood together to create moments for you that we once only dared to dream of. Sharing all of this with you has been an unparalleled blessing. I love you! Thank God for making me Argentine. Go, Argentina!"