Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, closing an extraordinary chapter that defined Argentine football for nearly two decades. The announcement came via Instagram on Monday, accompanied by photos of a handwritten letter and a musical backdrop of "Brindis" performed by Soledad Pastorutti.
The decision follows Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19, a loss that visibly devastated coach Lionel Scaloni, who was reportedly overcome by emotion during his post-match press conference, unable to finish speaking before walking away in tears. Those close to the situation say his reaction reflected not just the result of a single match, but the recognition that an eight-year journey with this generation of players had reached its conclusion.
In his letter, Messi wrote that the decision "hurt and continues to hurt," but that he now understands it is time to step away. According to observers who examined the handwritten note, Messi had initially written "I think" before crossing it out and replacing it with "I understand." He also insisted he always gave everything for the national team, using "we" rather than "I" when referring to victories, and said he now has nothing left to give at that level, describing himself as emotionally spent.
Messi revealed the letter was actually composed two days after the final but that recent personal circumstances involving his father strengthened his resolve to make the announcement now.
Importantly, the 39-year-old is not retiring from football altogether. He continues playing for Inter Miami, where he scored four goals in his most recent outing, underscoring that his decision is specific to representing Argentina rather than a broader retirement from the sport.
The reaction across Argentina was immediate and emotional. Teammates flooded social media with tributes. Cristian Romero wrote, "How crazy that the day has come, dear Leo," while Giovani Lo Celso reflected on "nine years listening to you, admiring you and learning by your side." Nico Paz recalled watching Messi play as a four-year-old with his father, wondering if he would ever get the chance to play alongside him — a dream he eventually fulfilled.
Public displays of affection extended beyond players. In Buenos Aires, a red telephone was placed on a street corner with a sign inviting passersby to share messages for Messi. An 86-year-old man told the phone, "You have given me the greatest joys in my life. You will be in my heart until the day I die." A young boy said he cried at school upon hearing the news, while others called him "an extraordinary being" and simply said, "bye, son."
Cultural commentators, journalists and psychologists weighed in as well. Veteran writer Matías Martín praised Messi for "leading by example," while motivational speaker Matías "Coco" Gallo Bevegni said Messi "taught me more in defeat than in victory." Writer Andrés Burgo noted that Messi and Diego Maradona had appeared in 10 of the last 12 World Cups, calling this moment the end of an era that spanned generations of Argentine football fans.
With two international fixture dates approaching and no confirmed opponent, Messi's absence is expected to shape Argentina's upcoming plans. The announcement also arrives amid broader turbulence in Argentine football, including governance controversies within the national football association and lingering sanctions stemming from incidents during the World Cup.
Despite the turmoil, the dominant public sentiment has been one of gratitude rather than grievance, with many expressing pride at having witnessed his career firsthand. Images circulating online show young children wearing Messi's No. 10 jersey walking through Buenos Aires streets, symbolizing hope for the next generation even as this particular chapter closes.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.