Monday, August 31st 2026 - 22:10 UTC
Lionel Messi announced on Monday his retirement from the Argentine national team at the age of 39, in a handwritten letter posted on his social media accounts, 43 days after the World Cup final defeat to Spain.
“After the time that has passed since the final, having thought about it a great deal, I want to tell you all that I am retiring from the national team,” the text begins. “I gave everything, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are very good young players coming through who deserve to be there,” he added, referring to generational change. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down, but I understand it is the moment.”
The letter is dated. In its final paragraph, Messi specifies that he wrote it on July 21, two days after the final played in New Jersey, and adds: “Today, after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than before.” His father, Jorge Messi, who acted as his agent and was a central figure in his career, died on August 8.
The retirement applies only to the national team. The forward remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, though after his father's death he said he was considering bringing forward the end of his playing career.
