By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina National Team, bringing to an end a 20-year international career.
In an emotional statement released on Monday, the 39-year-old said the decision came after “thinking about it a lot” since the final. He first drafted the words on July 21, two days after the match.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment,” Messi said. “I swear I always gave everything, not just the last few years when everything was won, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, for giving them joy and making them proud to be Argentinians through football.”
Messi said he was leaving with “peace and pride” after helping the team achieve “dream moments” together with his teammates.
“I loved, loved, and will always love being in the National Team. I emptied myself, I no longer have anything left to give, and besides, there are very great young players coming in the future who deserve to be there,” he added.
The forward thanked fans for “all the love over these 20 years” and said he would now support the team “from the outside (in good times and bad, much more).”
He also expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and leaders, saying he takes away “memories and unforgettable moments lived.”
“Thank you God for making me Argentine. Go Argentina!” Messi concluded.
In a note attached to the statement, Messi revealed that following the death of his father, he is “more convinced than before” about the decision.
Messi retires as one of Argentina’s most decorated players, having led the nation to multiple titles in recent years.
