Rumors that had been circulating for a while have now been confirmed: Leo Messi is stepping away from the Argentine national team.
This declaration was made by the iconic player himself through a detailed and emotional statement shared across his social media platforms, which is detailed below.
📝 Messi bids farewell to Argentina’s national squad: his social media statement
“Following a period of reflection since the final match, I wish to share with everyone my decision to step down from international football…
This choice is incredibly painful and deeply affects me, yet I believe the timing is correct. I can assure you that I have consistently given my absolute best—not just during our recent victorious years, but long before that. I fought tirelessly and dedicated everything to this jersey to bring happiness to our fans and instill a sense of national pride through our game.
My remaining playing days are limited, and certain phases of my life must conclude. Closing this particular chapter is exceptionally difficult for me. Representing my country has been, and will always remain, one of my greatest loves. I have poured everything into this team, leaving nothing behind, and a new generation of incredibly talented players is ready to step up and claim their rightful chances.
I am deeply grateful for the immense love you have given me throughout these past two decades. Not hearing your live support from the stands will be a huge adjustment. Moving forward, I join your ranks as a passionate supporter, backing our squad from the sidelines through every triumph and every challenge.
My gratitude goes to my family for their unwavering presence and support during this beautiful but challenging adventure. I also want to thank all the managers, colleagues, and staff members who joined me along the way. The priceless memories and experiences we created will stay with me forever.
I depart with a sense of peace and pride, comforted by the knowledge that alongside my teammates, we delivered moments of pure joy beyond our wildest dreams. Going through this journey with you has been an incredible ride. I love you all!
I am forever grateful to God for my Argentine heritage. Let’s go, Argentina!
P.S. I originally drafted these thoughts on July 21st, shortly after our final match. In light of recent events involving my father, my resolve regarding this decision has only grown stronger.
💙 Messi and Argentina: A historic legacy that will endure forever
During his time with the national squad, his achievements included winning a World Cup title, two Copa América trophies, a Finalissima victory, an Olympic gold, and an Under-20 World Cup championship. Personally, his stats are remarkable, achieving 207 caps, netting 125 goals, and delivering 68 assists, resulting in 193 total goal involvements. These accomplishments are merely a fraction of his legacy, alongside numerous milestones that forever entwine his story with Argentine football.
This text has been translated into English using artificial intelligence. The original Italian version can be accessed here.
