Legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has decided to end his career with the national team. He announced this in a farewell letter published on Instagram, as reported by NUR.KZ. The athlete reportedly pondered this step for a long time after the final of a major tournament, according to infohub.kz.
In his address, Messi admitted that the decision was not easy. "After all the time that has passed since the final, and after much reflection, I want to announce to everyone that I am ending my career with the national team... This decision has caused me pain, and still does, but I understand that now is the right time. I swear I always gave my all, not only in recent years when we won everything, but also before. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football," the footballer wrote.
He stressed that this chapter of his life causes him deep pain. "I loved, loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming behind me who deserve to be there. Thank you for all your love and support over these 20 years. I will miss your words very much. Now I will just be one of you, I will cheer and support you from the sidelines (in good times and bad, and in joy, especially)," Messi added.
The athlete also expressed gratitude to his loved ones. "Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and manager with whom I had the fortune to share this experience. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments," wrote Lionel Messi.
The legendary footballer added that he leaves with a sense of calm and pride. "I gave you and my teammates moments that I never even dreamed of. It was incredible to share all this with you. I love you all! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Go Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my father, I am even more convinced," Messi concluded.
Recall that on July 21, journalist Hernán Castillo claimed that he had received information that Lionel Messi had decided to stop playing for the Argentine national football team. According to the journalist's source, the footballer allegedly gave an emotional speech in the locker room before the 2026 World Cup final, announcing that this match was his last for the national team. On August 8, the footballer's father, Jorge Messi, died after a long illness at the age of 68. Lionel Messi subsequently left the American club Inter Miami and suspended his performances. On August 12, the footballer made his first statement after his father's death.