08/31/26 10:40:00
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08/31 10:39 CDT Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing for Argentina
Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing for Argentina
BUENOS AIRES (AP) --- Lionel Messi has ended his career as a player for the
Argentine national team at 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing
the national side.
Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and
led Argentina to the final in 2026 losing to Spain.
"It was a decision that hurt --- and still hurts deeply --- but I understand
that the time has come," Messi said on his official Instagram account. "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."
Messi explained that he wrote his retirement letter on June 21 --- two days
after losing the World Cup final --- but waited to publish it because his
father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life.
Jorge Messi died on Aug. 8 in his native Rosario, Argentina.
Messi made his debut for the senior national team in 2006, but his journey was
fraught with frustration until he finally lifted the World Cup in 2022.
"Thank you for all the love these past 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you
all from the inside so much. Now I'm going to be one of you, cheering and
supporting you from the outside (through thick and thin, even more so)", said
Messi.
In the letter, the current Inter Miami captain did not reveal how long he
intends to continue playing professional football.
"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you --- along with my
teammates --- moments we once only dreamed of. Experiencing this with you was
incredible. I love you all," he added.
Messi played for Inter Miami over the weekend scoring 4 goals in a 7-1 win over
CF ?Montreal.
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