Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to Argentina

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team at age 39, saying that the decision still hurts but that he knows the time has come.

Messi made the announcement on Instagram more than a month after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain, 1-0 after extra time. He said he had always given everything to the national shirt, not only during the years when Argentina won major titles, but throughout his international career.

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After the time that has passed since the final and a lot of reflection, I want to tell everyone that I am retiring from the national team.

“After the time that has passed since the final and a lot of reflection, I want to tell everyone that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote. He said he had fought to bring joy to supporters and to make Argentines proud through football, but added that he felt he had nothing more to give and that outstanding players were coming behind him.

Messi thanked fans for their love over 20 years, as well as his family, coaches, teammates and officials. He said he was leaving peacefully and proudly after sharing moments with teammates that they had dreamed of experiencing together. He also promised to support the team from outside, in good moments and especially in difficult ones.

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I have emptied myself, I have nothing more to give, and behind me come outstanding players who deserve to be here.