Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing internationally for Argentina
He said he wrote his retirement letter after the World Cup final in July, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life.
On Monday, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, citing emotional and personal reasons. The 39-year-old, who won his second consecutive World Cup final with Argentina in July, admitted that the decision was both painful and regretful. Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, wrote on Instagram that his words were spoken two days after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
He expressed that his father's death in August had deepened his doubts about continuing his football career. Despite the emotional toll, Messi emphasized that he always gave his all for his fans and the Argentine national team. He thanked his fans, family, coaches, and teammates for their support over the past two decades, promising to remain a fan and supporter from the outside. Messi's contract with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer will run until the end of 2028.
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