‘I Have Nothing More to Give’: Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Argentina football icon Lionel Messi has announced his decision to retire from international football, bringing an emotional chapter of his remarkable career with the national team closer to an end.

Messi said the decision had been painful but acknowledged that he had reached a point where he felt it was time to step away after two decades of representing Argentina.

In an emotional message, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he had always given everything for the national-team shirt and was proud of helping Argentinians experience unforgettable moments through football.

“I emptied myself, I no longer have anything more to give,” Messi said.

The Argentine captain said the decision was not based only on the success he enjoyed with the national team in recent years, stressing that he had consistently fought for the jersey throughout his international career.

He also acknowledged the emergence of a new generation of Argentine players who, in his view, deserve opportunities to represent the country.

“There are very great young players coming up who deserve to be here,” he said.

Messi reflects on 20 years with Argentina

Messi expressed gratitude to Argentinians for the love and support he received throughout his 20-year international career.

He admitted that he would miss being part of the team and interacting with supporters from within the national-team setup, but said he would now support Argentina from outside the dressing room.

“Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside.”

The 39-year-old also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and football administrators who accompanied him throughout his international career.

According to Messi, his time with Argentina produced memories and moments that he will never forget.

He said he was leaving the national team with “peace and pride” after helping Argentina achieve what he described as dream moments alongside his teammates.

‘Thank you God for making me Argentine’

Messi’s message also highlighted his deep emotional connection with Argentina.

After years of international heartbreak, the Barcelona legend eventually led Argentina to major international triumphs, including the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, before helping the country retain the Copa América title in 2024.

His journey with Argentina also included Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Despite the achievements, Messi’s relationship with the national team was marked by difficult moments, including his decision to briefly retire from international football in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa América Centenario final.

He eventually returned and went on to become the central figure in one of the most successful periods in Argentina’s football history.

Messi reveals statement was written after final

Messi disclosed that the retirement message was actually written two days after the final, on July 21.

He said developments involving his father subsequently strengthened his conviction that retirement from the national team was the right decision.

“Today, after what happened to my dad, I am more convinced than before.”

Messi ended his message with an emotional declaration of love for Argentina and a rallying cry to the nation.

“Thank you God for making me Argentine. Go Argentina!”