Lionel Messi's retirement statement in English: Here's what soccer legend said about end to Argentina career

Lionel Messi's time with the Argentine national team has come to an end.

The Argentine star announced on Monday that he was retiring from international competition, marking the end of one of the great careers in soccer history. Messi made history in 2026 by playing in his sixth World Cup tournament, getting to play in a third World Cup final as he went for back-to-back titles.

While Argentina fell short against Spain, Messi's final game was still a special moment for one of sports' greatest legends. Messi's decision was clearly difficult and emotional, as evidenced by his detailed announcement.

Here's what Messi said in his international retirement statement.

MORE: Why Lionel Messi retired from Argentina

Messi's goodbye message in English

Messi officially retired from international competition on Monday, saying goodbye to the Argentinian national team. Messi said he knew this was the case after the World Cup final, but he wanted to turn his focus to his father's health before making it public.

"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final…today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced of this decision than before," he said "After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I'm retiring from the national team."

Messi's statement included his gratitude towards the fans, saying that he put all of his efforts into getting Argentina to the highest possible level.

"I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football," he said. "There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give."

Messi closed his statement by thanking everyone, from the fans to his family for their support over the past few decades.

"I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!" he said, "Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!"

MORE: The ultimate Messi vs. Ronaldo GOAT scorecard

Where did Messi post his goodbye message?

Messi made the announcement on Instagram, where he posted two messages to reveal his decision. In one of those posts, Messi posted his message in Spanish, which he handwrote before putting it as his Instagram caption. The 39-year-old also posted a video of some of his best moments in an Argentine uniform.

Why is Lionel Messi retiring from the Argentina national team?

Messi's retirement from the international stage is presumably because it's simply time, as he is on the back end of his career. The 39-year-old just finished his record sixth World Cup appearance and would be 43 years old when the next World Cup comes around in 2030.

"There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end," Messi said in his statement. "Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here."

What happened to Lionel Messi's dad?

Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68 on August 7 after a long health battle, as he dealt with undisclosed health issues throughout the year.

"[Jorge Messi] is currently under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favorably within his current condition," the Messi family said in a statement on June 18. "Given the versions, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter."

Jorge's death came just a few weeks after Lionel Mess's final international game, and his health issues is why Lionel waited to make his retirement announcement.

Lionel Messi age

Messi turned 39 in June, making him one of the oldest players to participate in the 2026 World Cup. Had he decided not to retire, Messi would have turned 43 years-old during the next World Cup in four years.