A chapter in Argentine soccer has come to a close as Lionel Messi, often referred to as the 'God of Football,' has announced his retirement from the national team after 21 years of service.
On September 1, Messi declared his retirement via social media, marking the end of his international career that began with his debut on August 17, 2005, in a friendly match against Hungary.
During his time with the national team, Messi played 207 matches, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists, both of which are records for Argentina. His 125 goals are the most by any South American player, and he also holds the record for the most hat-tricks with 11.
In FIFA World Cup competitions, Messi participated in six tournaments starting from 2006 in Germany, playing a total of 34 matches, scoring 21 goals, and assisting 12 times, all of which are also records. He won the World Cup once, in 2022 in Qatar, and finished as a runner-up in 2014 in Brazil and 2026 in North America. He received the Golden Ball award for best player in the tournament twice, in 2014 and 2022.
In the Copa America, Messi played a record 39 matches, scoring 14 goals and providing 18 assists, also the highest in the tournament's history. He won the title twice, in 2021 in Brazil and in 2024 in the United States.
Messi also earned an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, where Argentina defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the final, marking their second consecutive Olympic title after Athens in 2004.
Throughout his international career, Messi won the Ballon d'Or award eight times, setting a record and solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in soccer history.
“I Have No More Strength to Give”In his retirement announcement, Messi stated, “After some time has passed since the North American World Cup final, I want to share my retirement news after much contemplation. It is a painful decision, but I know it is time to leave.”
Messi wrote this statement two days after the final against Spain in July. He noted that the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, who died last month at the age of 68, solidified his decision. Jorge had been Messi's agent and a significant support throughout his career. Following his father's death, Messi expressed uncertainty about continuing in soccer, saying, “I don’t know what to do without my father, and I question whether I can continue playing.”
International media outlets, including the BBC and The Athletic, noted that while Messi's retirement at 39 was anticipated, the loss in the World Cup final and his father's passing accelerated his decision.
Messi added, “I have always fought to bring joy to you and to instill pride in being Argentine through soccer. I have given everything I had, and now I have no more strength to give.” He also mentioned that there are talented young players ready to take his place on the national team.
Struggles and TriumphsMessi's journey with the national team was not without challenges. After leaving his hometown of Rosario at age 13 to join FC Barcelona, he faced criticism in Argentina for being perceived as more Catalan than Argentine. He was often compared to the late Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, which added pressure on him.
Messi struggled to win titles with the national team, contrasting with his club success, where he won 10 league titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona. He reached his first World Cup final in 2014, where Argentina lost to Germany 1-0 after extra time, despite Messi winning the Golden Ball.
In the Copa America, he finished as a runner-up in 2007, 2015, and 2016, with the latter being particularly painful as he missed a penalty in the shootout against Chile. Following that match, he announced his retirement, stating, “For me, the national team is over.” However, after appeals from the Argentine president, soccer community, and fans, he reversed his decision and returned to the team.
Despite facing setbacks, including a Round of 16 exit in the 2018 World Cup, Messi's fortunes changed under coach Lionel Scaloni. The team evolved from relying solely on Messi to a more balanced squad that combined youthful energy with his creativity. This shift led to victory in the 2021 Copa America, where Argentina defeated Brazil in the final, ending a 28-year title drought. Messi was named the tournament's MVP, top scorer, and top assist provider. The following year, he added the Finalissima title by defeating European champions Italy.
The pinnacle of Messi's career came at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where at 35, he scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists, leading Argentina to its first World Cup title in 36 years. In the final against France, he scored twice and successfully converted a penalty in the shootout, helping secure the victory. This win allowed Messi to step out of Maradona's shadow and be recognized as Argentina's greatest player.
Even after winning the World Cup, Messi continued to represent Argentina, participating in the 2024 Copa America after moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
In his final World Cup appearance at the 2026 North American tournament, Messi showcased his enduring talent, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists, earning the Silver Ball and Silver Boot. However, Argentina finished as runners-up, losing to Spain 1-0 after extra time in the final, held in the same stadium where Messi had announced his retirement a decade earlier.
“I sincerely thank you for the love you have shown me over the past 20 years. I will miss hearing your cheers in the stadium,” Messi said. “Now, I will support the team as a fan.”
Messi shared a two-minute video capturing moments from his time with the national team, featuring a young Messi saying, “Playing for the national team is my dream.”
“I leave with pride, having been able to gift you dreamlike moments. I was truly happy to share all of this with you. I love you,” he concluded.
Messi has a contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028. Having retired from the national team, he will now focus solely on his club career.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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