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Lionel Messi Announces Argentina Retirement: “My Heart Is Breaking”
Aug
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. The legendary forward is ending an international career that has lasted more than two decades.
Messi shared the emotional news on August 31, Vietnam time. In his statement, he explained that he had spent a long time thinking about his future with Argentina.
“After a while since the final, and after much thought and reflection, I want to announce to everyone that I will be retiring from the Argentina national team.”
Messi Says Goodbye to Argentina
The decision was not an easy one for the Argentina captain. Even so, Messi believes this is the right moment to close one of the most important chapters of his career.
Throughout his time with Argentina, the 1987-born star says he always gave everything for the national team. He wanted to help his country win. More importantly, he wanted to make Argentine fans proud.
Now, that journey is coming to an end.
“I have always fought hard and given everything for this shirt,” Messi said. He also explained that a new generation of talented players deserves the chance to represent Argentina.
For Messi, wearing the Argentina shirt has always been special. The memories of playing in front of thousands of passionate fans will remain with him for the rest of his life.
An Emotional Message to Argentina Fans
Messi also thanked the supporters who followed him throughout his international career.
He said he will miss hearing the fans inside the stadium. However, his support for Argentina will not disappear.
From now on, Messi plans to watch the national team from the sidelines. He will continue to support the players through both good and difficult moments.
The Argentina legend also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and team leaders. According to Messi, they all played an important role in his incredible journey.
“I leave the team with peace of mind and pride,” he said.
After everything Argentina achieved in recent years, Messi believes he can walk away with his head held high.
“I love you all. Thank God I was born an Argentinian. Go, Argentina!”
Messi’s Historic Argentina Career
Messi made his Argentina debut on August 17, 2005. Since then, he has become the country’s most capped player and its all-time leading scorer.
His international record includes 198 appearances and 116 goals for Argentina. He is also the national team’s leading assist provider.
More importantly, Messi finally won the FIFA World Cup in 2022. That victory completed one of the biggest goals of his career.
Before that triumph, he helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021. The team then lifted the Finalissima in 2022 before successfully defending its Copa América title in 2024.
At youth level, Messi also won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005. Three years later, he claimed Olympic gold with Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Messi’s World Cup Records
His World Cup career is just as remarkable.
Messi has appeared at six FIFA World Cups, the most in Argentina’s history. He has also played 33 World Cup matches.
Furthermore, he became Argentina’s all-time leading World Cup scorer. Following the 2026 tournament, his tally stands at 21 goals, according to FIFA statistics.
These numbers highlight the scale of Messi’s contribution to Argentine football.
The End of an Extraordinary Era
Messi’s retirement marks the end of an era for Argentina.
For more than 20 years, he carried the hopes of millions of supporters. There were painful defeats along the way. Nevertheless, the biggest prizes eventually arrived.
The 2022 World Cup victory remains the defining moment of his international career. Alongside the Copa América titles, it gave Messi a legacy that few players can match.
Now, a new generation will take over.
Argentina will move forward without its greatest star. However, Messi’s influence on the national team will remain for years to come.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina journey is ending, but his legacy will live forever.
