BREAKING: Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From International Football

BREAKING: Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From International Football

By Julius Idrissa Manganda

“I don’t have anything more to give.”

HARARE — Lionel Messi has officially brought the curtain down on his Argentina career, announcing his retirement from international football after two decades of extraordinary service to the national team.

The 39-year-old Argentina captain confirmed the decision in an emotional statement, saying it was painful but that he believed the time had come to step away.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi said.

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” he wrote.

Messi revealed that he first made the decision on July 21, two days after Argentina’s most recent final, but said a personal loss later strengthened his resolve.

“Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before,” he added.

The legendary forward said he had always given everything for Argentina, regardless of whether the team was winning or struggling.

“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”

Messi thanked Argentina’s supporters, his family, teammates and coaches for their support throughout his 20-year international career.

“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!”

“Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!”

From Rosario to football immortality

Born in Rosario, Argentina, on June 24, 1987, Lionel Andrés Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child. At 13, he moved to Spain to join FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.

He made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17 and went on to become one of the greatest players in football history.

During his Barcelona career, Messi became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, won four UEFA Champions League titles and claimed a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.

His journey with Argentina, however, was far more difficult.

After making his senior international debut in 2005, Messi suffered defeat in four major finals between 2007 and 2016. The criticism that followed was intense, with questions repeatedly raised about his ability to deliver a major international trophy.

The final chapter, however, transformed his legacy.

Messi led Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021, defeated Italy in the 2022 Finalissima and, most importantly, captained the country to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.

He later helped Argentina retain the Copa América title in 2024.

Messi’s major trophies with Argentina 🇦🇷

FIFA World Cup — 2022, Qatar

Copa América — 2021, Brazil; 2024, USA

Finalissima — 2022, vs Italy

Olympic Gold Medal — 2008, Beijing

FIFA U-20 World Cup — 2005

Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance-maker, having scored more than 110 goals for the national team.

Barcelona honours

With FC Barcelona, Messi won:

La Liga — 10 titles

UEFA Champions League — 4 titles

Copa del Rey — 7 titles

FIFA Club World Cup — 3 titles

UEFA Super Cup — 3 titles

Spanish Super Cup — 8 titles

He finished his Barcelona career with 34 major trophies, 778 appearances and 672 goals.

Individual honours

8× Ballon d’Or

6× European Golden Shoe

2× FIFA World Cup Golden Ball — 2014 and 2022

“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot,” Messi said.

Despite his decision, Messi believes Argentina’s future is secure, pointing to the emergence of a new generation of talented players.

“There are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.”

A legacy beyond football

Messi has given the world far more than goals and trophies. He gave football generations of unforgettable moments — dazzling skills, extraordinary goals, remarkable vision and a style of play that inspired millions.

From packed stadiums to football pitches across the world, the Argentine was idolised by fans far beyond his homeland. For many, Messi was not simply a footballer; he was an icon whose talent transcended borders, languages and rivalries.

His legacy will live on in the goals he scored, the trophies he lifted, the records he broke and, above all, in the millions who fell in love with football watching him play.

From the gifted youngster who left Rosario for Barcelona to the captain who finally delivered the World Cup to Argentina, Messi’s international journey has reached its final chapter.

Gracias, Leo.