Messi leaves as Argentina’s most-capped and highest-scoring player and said that the passing of his father, Jorge, on August 8 had made him “more convinced” about retiring. Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football aged 39. (Photo: Messi).

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who captained his country to the World Cup in 2022, showed his enduring quality by again leading them to the final this summer. But 21 years on from his first appearance, he has called time on his international career, leaving a record-breaking legacy of 125 goals from 207 games.

No Argentine has played or scored more for their country. He retires having won every possible competition in international football, after twice winning the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, lifting the World Cup in Qatar and captaining Argentina to victory in the inaugural Finalissima in 2022.

Messi had hinted at his impending retirement during an emotional post on social media following the death of his father, Jorge, earlier in August. He has now confirmed his decision in a statement on Instagram, which he said he had originally written on July 21 – two days after the final – which he said “hurt deeply”, but having been left with “nothing left to give”, he added of his decision:

“Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.” Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in their second consecutive World Cup final on July 19, with Ferran Torres’ goal in extra time clinching La Roja’s second title.

It was expected to be Messi’s final appearance at the tournament, given he will turn 43 during the next tournament in 2030. Messi’s father, Jorge, passed away within weeks of the tournament ending in his hometown of Rosario, following a long illness. He had previously acted as his son’s agent.

He said of the final, which his father was unable to attend: “I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you a new one. I couldn’t; my legs had nothing left. This time I tried to push past my physical limits, but I couldn’t. I never managed to feel right.

“I am going to miss you a lot, but you will always be present, and especially in the education of my children, because I teach them and educate them as you did with me. Rest in peace and take care of us from above, as you did here. Thanks for everything. I love you, Dad.”

‘I Have Nothing Left to Give’: Messi’s Statement in Full

“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team… It was a decision that hurt-and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all-not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this one hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, some great young players are coming up who deserve to be here. Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad – especially the bad).

“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey-so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you-alongside my teammates-moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!

“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”

Courtesy: Sky Sports