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Lionel Messi Says He's Unsure He'll Play Soccer "Much Longer" After His Dad's Death
Lionel Messi is calling the final whistle on his international career.
After 20 years and six trips to the World Cup, the soccer star has officially announced his retirement from Argentina’s National Team after giving the decision “a lot of thought.”
“It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote in an Aug. 31 Instagram post translated from Spanish. “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 Argentine through football.”
While the 39-year-old—dad to Thiago, 13, Mateo, 10, and Ciro, 8, with wife Antonela Roccuzzo—emphasized that the decision to take off his blue and white jersey hurts him “deeply,” he knows it’s the right choice.
“I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team,” Messi continued. “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.”
And while he will continue to play for Inter Miami CF, the Barcelona alum is looking forward to taking in the excitement in the World Cup 2030 from the stands.
“Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad—especially the bad),” he mused. “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, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”
Despite Argentina’s loss against Spain last month in the World Cup final, Messi assured fans he is leaving with “peace of mind” and pride for the accomplishments he and his Argentine teammates reached together.
Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“It was an incredible experience to live this with you all,” he wrote. “I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.”
In a final note from his farewell, Messi—who expressed hesitation toward his future in soccer after his father Jorge Messi died earlier this month—noted that he had been planning to share this news since days after the World Cup final.
And while devastating, his father’s death only confirmed what he already felt. As he acknowledged, “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”
For a deeper look into Messi’s life off the pitch, keep reading…
Dynamic Duo
Soccer player Lionel Messi and model Antonela Roccuzzo have showcased couple goals on and off Instagram.
Gabriel Rossi/LatinContent via Getty Images
They Do!
It was a team effort getting the bride's gorgeous gown photo-ready when Messi and Roccuzzo tied the knot in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina, on June 30, 2017. A local paper called the event "the wedding of the century."
Family Unit
When Messi has a match, chances are you'll spot his wife and three kids Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 4, in the stadium cheering him on.
Sparks Fly
Can you feel the love from Paris?
Vacay Buddies
Sometimes, mom and dad just need to get away to the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris.
Biggest Cheerleaders
Trophies are cool, but a celebration with family may be Messi's favorite.
Fun in the Sun
"La Isla Bonita," Roccuzzo wrote on Instagram while enjoying a tropical vacation.
Heating Up
While visiting Formentera, an island in Spain, the pair soaked up the sun.
Together Forever
Family time is the best time for this crew!
Date Night Done Right
Away from the soccer field, Messi loves enjoying an intimate dinner with his wife.
Instagram (@antonelaroccuzzo)
On Top of the World
The sky really was the limit when the Messis got all bundled up for a ski vacation in January 2023.
Hugo Pfeiffer/Icon Sport via Getty Images
Record Player
Winning his record eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023 was made all the more special by having his whole family at the ceremony.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Champion on Three Continents
It was mission accomplished—and enjoyed four times' as much thanks to his wife and kids being there—when the FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain alum led Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title in December 2025.
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