Messi Se Despede after a glittering Argentina career as the Albiceleste turn a new page

Messi Se Despede from the Argentina national team on Monday morning, announcing that he has conquered everything for the side after a 21‑year international saga. The 39‑year‑old icon posted a handwritten farewell, thanking family, fans and teammates, and confirming his decision follows the recent 2026 World Cup final loss and his father's passing.

In the handwritten note Messi thanked his family, the supporters, his fellow players and the coaches of the Albiceleste, writing “Gracias a mi familia por estar siempre, por acompañarme en este viaje tan hermoso pero difícil.” He signed the letter as Lionel and added that he had given Tudo for the Seleção. The note also referenced memorable moments with Di and La teammates that defined his journey. Mess, the nickname used by close friends, appeared in the margin as a personal sign‑off.

From youth prodigy to senior star

Messi's first steps with the Albiceleste began in 2005, when he helped the Argentina U‑20 side win the World Cup. After a brief flirtation with a possible switch to Spain, the senior team called him up, and Na that same year he entered the senior ranks. The early promise set the foundation for a career that would span over two decades.

His senior debut came in August 2005 during a friendly against Hungary, but it lasted only 47 seconds before a red card sent him off. Less than a month later he returned to the pitch, and from that point he never missed a call‑up. The early setback proved merely a footnote in an otherwise uninterrupted international presence.

Messi marked his World Cup debut in Germany 2006, wearing shirt 19 and scoring the first goal in a 6‑0 win over Serbia. In the 2010 tournament, under coach Diego Maradona, he failed to find the net as Argentina fell 4‑0 to Germany. Four years later, at the 2014 World Cup, he netted six group‑stage goals and assisted Di María against Switzerland, only to lose the final 1‑0 to Germany.

After runner‑up finishes in the Copa América of 2015 and 2016, Messi briefly announced retirement but returned following an outpouring of support. He finally lifted the senior trophy in 2021, and added a World Cup triumph in 2022, where he scored against Mexico, Australia and Croatia. In 2024 he helped Argentina beat Colombia 1‑0, further cementing his legacy.

A record‑breaking international legacy

The decision to retire came two days after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain and was reinforced by the recent death of his father on 8 August. Messi said the pain of the decision was deep, but that the time had finally arrived. He reflected on 21 years, 207 caps and 125 goals for the Albiceleste, a record that still stands.

His tally also includes 68 assists, four senior international trophies and two youth titles, putting him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in play‑making but behind him in total appearances and goals. Ronaldo, by contrast, has 233 caps and 146 goals for Portugal, with 45 assists.

Messi concluded his farewell by expressing gratitude to his family, the coaching staff and the young players ready to take over. He pledged to support the Albiceleste from the stands, saying the love for the shirt will never fade. The Albiceleste now look to a new generation to continue the journey he helped define.