Messi has ended his career with the Argentina national team.
The footballer stated that his decision to end his career with the national team was solidified after the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi has announced his decision to end his career with the national team.
The 39-year-old footballer stated that he reached this decision on July 21, two days after the final, but that he thought for a long time before making it public.
«This decision pained my heart and still does. But now I understand that this is the right time. I always gave my all for this jersey, and I tried to share joy with you and make you proud to be Argentine through football», — Messi wrote.
The footballer expressed gratitude for the love and support shown by fans throughout his career with the national team. He emphasized that he will now support the Argentina national team as a fan.
«I devoted myself entirely to the national team, and now I have nothing left to give. There are very talented young players coming behind us, and they deserve to be in the national team», — said the Argentine footballer.
Messi also thanked his teammates, coaches, and the national team management, saying he will keep the moments he experienced with Argentina as «unforgettable memories».
The footballer also revealed that his decision was further solidified after the recent incident involving his father, Jorge Messi.
«Today, after the incident involving my father, I am even more certain of this decision than before», — Messi added.
«Thank God for making me Argentine. Go, Argentina!» — Leo concluded his words.
Messi won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima and World Cup, as well as the 2024 Copa America with Argentina. At the 2026 World Cup, Argentina lost to Spain in the final and became silver medalists.
