Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina Duty at 39: Full Retirement Speech, Quotes and Career Highlights
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an emotional end to one of the greatest careers in Argentina history.
The Argentina captain made his final appearance for his country in last month's World Cup final in New York. Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain, with the match becoming the final international appearance of Messi's extraordinary career.
Messi leaves the Argentina national team after 207 appearances and 125 goals. His career included a World Cup triumph, two Copa America titles and Olympic gold.
Lionel Messi Announces Argentina Retirement
Messi confirmed his decision in a lengthy social media statement.
The Argentina star revealed that he had written the statement two days after the World Cup final. He also explained that the recent death of his father played a role in making the decision.
After 21 years with Argentina, Messi said he felt the time had come to close the chapter.
His retirement ends one of the most remarkable international careers in football history.
Lionel Messi's Argentina Career
Messi made his Argentina debut at just 18 years old.
Over the next two decades, he became the country's leading goalscorer and one of its most decorated players.
He finished his international career with:
207 appearances for Argentina
125 international goals
1 FIFA World Cup title
2 Copa America titles
1 Olympic gold medal
Messi scored at the 2006 World Cup and became Argentina's youngest player and scorer at the tournament.
He later helped Argentina win Olympic gold in Beijing.
Messi's Early International Heartbreak
Messi's Argentina career was not always filled with success.
The team faced major criticism following disappointing performances at the 2011 Copa America.
He also experienced World Cup heartbreak in 2014, when Argentina lost the final to Germany.
Further disappointment followed in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals.
Those defeats eventually led Messi to briefly retire from international football.
Argentina supporters launched a huge campaign for him to return, and Messi eventually came back to the national team.
Messi Finally Wins a Major Trophy With Argentina
Messi's return proved to be a turning point.
In 2021, he helped Argentina win the Copa America against Brazil, ending the country's 28-year wait for a major international trophy.
That victory marked the beginning of an extraordinary period for Messi and Argentina.
The team then defeated Italy at Wembley in the Finalissima.
The biggest moment came one year later in Qatar.
Lionel Messi Wins the 2022 World Cup
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi finally achieved the trophy that had eluded him throughout his career.
Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final, with Messi scoring twice.
He finished the tournament with seven goals and captained Argentina to its third World Cup title.
The victory completed one of the biggest chapters of his football career.
Messi Wins Another Copa America
Messi added another major international trophy in 2024.
Argentina won the Copa America again, further strengthening Messi's legacy with the national team.
His international career had gone from years of disappointment to a period of sustained success.
Messi's Final World Cup and International Retirement
Argentina reached the World Cup final again last month but lost 1-0 to Spain in New York.
Messi scored eight goals during the tournament.
The final became his last appearance for Argentina.
He finishes his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals, leaving behind a record that will be difficult for future Argentina players to match.
Lionel Messi Retirement Speech: Full Quotes
Messi explained his decision and reflected on his relationship with Argentina in an emotional statement.
Messi on Retiring From Argentina
“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,” Messi said.
“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.”
“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.”
Messi Thanks Argentina Supporters
“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years,” Messi's statement continued.
“I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside, through the good times and the bad, especially the bad.”
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey, so beautiful, yet so difficult.”
“Thank you to every coach, team-mate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of.”
“It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!”
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!”
Lionel Messi's Argentina Legacy
Messi's international career included some of football's highest highs and most painful defeats.
He experienced criticism, final losses and an initial international retirement before eventually leading Argentina to its biggest trophies.
His 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar became the defining achievement of his international career.
The 2021 and 2024 Copa America victories added to his legacy, while Olympic gold provided another major milestone.
With 207 appearances and 125 goals, Messi leaves Argentina as a national team legend.
His final message made clear how much the Argentina shirt meant to him throughout his career.
Lionel Messi Retirement FAQ
How old was Lionel Messi when he retired from international football?
Messi retired from international football at the age of 39.
How many games did Messi play for Argentina?
Messi finished his Argentina career with 207 international appearances.
How many goals did Messi score for Argentina?
Messi scored 125 goals for Argentina.
How many World Cups did Messi win?
Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar.
How many Copa America titles did Messi win?
Messi helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
When did Messi make his Argentina debut?
Messi made his Argentina debut at the age of 18.
What was Messi's final Argentina match?
According to the supplied information, Messi's final match for Argentina was the 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain in New York.
Lionel Messi Retirement: Key Points
Lionel Messi has retired from international football at 39.
He finishes with 207 Argentina appearances.
He scored 125 goals for his country.
He won the 2022 World Cup.
He won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
He also won Olympic gold with Argentina.
His final international appearance came in the World Cup final against Spain.
Messi leaves Argentina after 21 years of international football.
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