Lionel Messi said on Monday he’s retiring from playing for Argentina after leading it to a second successive World Cup final in July and shortly after his father passed away.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi, 39, wrote on Instagram.
Messi said that the decision had been painful but that he had considered it extensively since Argentina’s final.
The 39-year-old captained Argentina to the final of last month’s World Cup in New York, but he was unable to prevent his nation losing 1-0 to Spain and it proved to be the final match of his international career.
He led the team to World Cup glory in the 2022 final against France in Doha.
“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” Messi said.
“I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
He went on to thank Argentina’s supporters, his family, coaches, teammates and directors for their support throughout his international career.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of,” Messi said. “It was crazy to experience all of this with you.”
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team,” he also said.
Messi said he had written the statement on July 21, two days after the final, but that the death of his father subsequently strengthened his conviction about the decision.
“Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before,” he said.
Following the death of his father, Jorge, earlier in August, Messi had said he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football of any sort for “much longer.”
His contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season.
Messi concluded the Instagram statement on Monday by thanking God for making him Argentine and saying: “Vamos Argentina!”
