Published by Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a moment that has sent shockwaves across the footballing world, Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer in history, has officially announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old captain of the World Cup-winning squad made the emotional declaration in a lengthy post on his official Facebook account on Monday, August 31, 2026, confirming the end of a 20-year journey that brought Argentina its third World Cup and an unprecedented era of glory.
The announcement came with a deeply personal revelation. Messi disclosed that he had penned the initial version of his farewell statement on July 21, just two days after Argentina's final match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he chose not to publish it at the time. "Today after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than before," he wrote. The loss of his father, Jorge Messi, has been a significant factor in his decision, compounded by the physical and emotional toll of the tournament.
In his post, Messi poured out his heart to the nation that had worshipped him for decades. "After this time that has passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to communicate to everyone that I am retiring from the national team," he began. The message was a tapestry of gratitude, pain, and profound love for the Albiceleste jersey. "It was a decision that hurt and hurts the soul, but I understand that it is the right moment. I swear I always gave everything, not just in recent years when we won everything, but before too. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to give you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football."
Messi's retirement marks the end of an era. The Argentine captain, who has 190 caps and a record 112 goals for his country, led his nation to its third World Cup title in Qatar 2022, cementing his legacy as the greatest of all time. He also guided Argentina to Copa América titles in 2021, 2024, and 2026, along with the 2022 Finalissima. His 20-year journey with the national team saw him break records, silence critics, and finally deliver the one trophy that had eluded him for so long.
Reflecting on his time with the team, Messi spoke of the bond he shared with his teammates and the fans. "There are few moments left, and chapters are closing. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being in the national team. I have emptied myself. I have nothing more to give, and apart from that, there are great young players behind me who deserve to be there," he said. He also thanked the fans for their support over two decades, adding, "I am going to miss hearing you from inside a lot. Now I will be one more of you, cheering and always supporting from the outside—in the good and the bad, much more in the bad."
He concluded his post by thanking his family, coaches, teammates, and football directors for the unforgettable journey. "I am leaving with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dreamed moments. It was crazy to have lived it with you. I love you! Thank you God for making me Argentine. Come on Argentina!" The retirements of football legends are often moments of collective sorrow, but Messi's farewell is unique in its tenderness and the sheer scale of his contributions to the sport and his country. His final message, "Come on Argentina," is a rallying cry that will echo in the hearts of millions, a fitting end to a career that redefined what was possible on a football pitch. His legacy is not just in the trophies, but in the joy he gave to a nation, a joy that will endure long after he has hung up his boots for the final time.
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