Messi's painful farewell ends Argentina career at 39

Under the bright lights of a quiet Buenos Aires street, Lionel Messi stared at his phone, his fingers trembling as he typed a final message for the nation. The 39‑year‑old announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, describing the choice as a painful one and swearing, "Juro", that he had always given his all.

Retirement announcement

Messi confirmed the decision on Monday the 31st, posting the statement on his social‑media accounts just two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the Copa Mundo 2026 final. He explained that the defeat marked the end of a chapter that had brought the country to a second‑place finish on the world stage.

Legacy and farewell

The announcement was accompanied by a dramatic photograph credited to Getty Images / Purepeople, capturing the emotional moment that many will remember as the last time Messi wore the alviceleste shirt at a Copa Mundial. The image shows the Argentine crowd in a hushed reverie, a fitting backdrop for his farewell.

Only weeks earlier, Messi had faced the personal tragedy of his father’s death, a loss that weighed heavily on the star before he made his final decision. The timing underscored how closely his private grief and public career have become intertwined.

In his message, Messi praised the young athletes poised to inherit his role, saying, "I am confident the new generation will carry the torch for the Seleção." He highlighted the talent emerging from the academy ranks, urging fans to support them.

He continued, "Foi a decision that still hurts deep down, but I understand the time has come. Sempre, I have fought for this shirt, giving everything on the pitch to bring joy to you, the Argentine people." The original Portuguese statement even contains the word "Os".

Messi concluded with a heartfelt farewell: "The time passes, cycles end, and this one hurts profoundly. I love, I loved and I will always love being part of the Seleção. I have given everything; there is nothing left to offer."