Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect. The footballing great, widely considered to be the greatest player of all time, called an end to his 20 year international career with an emotional social media post.
Messi said on Instagram: “After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team. It is a decision that hurts and still hurts deep down but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentinian through football.
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“Time is running short, chapters come to a close and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.
“I’ve given everything I had, I have nothing left to give and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”
Handed a senior Argentina debut at the age of 18, Messi went on to play 207 times for his country and scored 125 goals with his crowning moment arriving in 2022 when he led his team to a third World Cup triumph.
The 39-year-old captained Argentina to the final of last month’s World Cup in New York, but he was unable to prevent his nation losing 1-0 to Spain and it proved to be the final match of his international career.
The Argentinan captain was visibly distraught at the end of the game, coming just weeks before the passing of his gravely ill father.
Express Investigations Editor Zak Garner-Purkis witnessed the tears of the legend in the moments following defeat, an experience he described as “heartbreaking.”
He wrote in the aftermath: “He was broken after a gruelling extra-time World Cup Final defeat by Spain. And while the little magician might have had cameras trained on him nearly the entire time, there were some moments that could only truly be understood by watching him intently from inside the New York/New Jersey stadium.
Messi was left inconsolable following the World Cup Final defeat to Spain (Image: Getty)
He added: “When a minor disturbance broke out in the section housing the Argentina players’ families and the team marched over to investigate, Messi merely trudged half-heartedly at the back of the pack. As they walked back, he remained silently ahead. De Paul was the only player within two yards of him.
“I could see in that moment how isolating life must be for him. A living icon, most of his teammates looked scared to get too close, even though he looked like he desperately needed a hug.
“Then came the moment that explained everything. He walked up to the Argentina fans and finally burst into tears. The entire time, he had clearly been holding it in—he probably couldn’t accept a hug earlier because he didn’t want to break down too soon.
“Yet, even as Messi wept, he was alone, that iconic number 10 shirt standing two yards off to the side of the group.
“This, he must feel, is truly the end for him and Argentina.”
The Heartbreaking Moment That Made Messi Cry as a Legend Quit International Football
Football is more than just a sport. For many players and fans, it is a journey filled with dreams, unforgettable victories, painful defeats, and emotional goodbyes. One of the most heartbreaking moments in football came when Lionel Messi was deeply moved as a legendary player decided to say farewell to international football.
For years, Messi and his teammates shared countless unforgettable moments on the pitch. They celebrated victories together, suffered difficult defeats, and carried the hopes of an entire nation on their shoulders. However, every great football career eventually comes to an end. When a respected legend announced his decision to retire from international football, the atmosphere became incredibly emotional.
The moment was especially painful for Messi because he understood what his teammate had sacrificed for the national team. Behind every match were years of hard work, injuries, pressure, and determination. The player had given everything for his country, making the farewell much more than an ordinary goodbye. It was the end of an important chapter in the history of the national team.
Messi, known around the world for his extraordinary talent, could not hide his emotions. Seeing a close teammate leave the international stage reminded him that football careers are temporary. Even the greatest players must eventually step away from the game they love. His tears showed that, beneath the fame, trophies, and records, Messi is also a person who values friendship, loyalty, and shared memories.
For the fans, the scene was heartbreaking. They had watched these legends grow, fight, win, and sometimes lose together. A farewell like this reminds everyone that football is not only about goals and trophies. It is also about the relationships created along the way and the memories that remain long after the final whistle.
The retirement of a football legend may mark the end of an era, but it does not erase his legacy. His dedication and achievements will continue to inspire future generations of players. For Messi and millions of supporters, that emotional farewell will always be remembered as a powerful reminder of how deeply football can touch the human heart.
In the end, Messi’s tears were not a sign of weakness. They were a symbol of respect, love, and gratitude. Sometimes, saying goodbye to a legend is difficult because it means saying goodbye to a piece of football history. And although the player may leave the international stage, his legacy will live forever in the hearts of those who watched him play.