‘We love you, Captain’

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP):

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football yesterday, bringing to an end a 21-year career with the national team that was crowned by World Cup glory in 2022 and secured his place among the game’s greatest players.

“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deeply – but I understand that the time has come,” the 39-year-old Messi said on his Instagram account.

Messi, who will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, featured in a record-tying six World Cups. He lifted the trophy four years ago after dominating the tournament in Qatar and also led Argentina to the final in 2014 and again this year, when the Albiceleste lost to Spain in extra time in New Jersey.

Messi stands alongside compatriot Diego Maradona and Brazil great Pelé among football’s all-time elite.

For many, he is the greatest.

“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,” Messi wrote. “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.”

Messi played 207 matches for Argentina and retires as the country’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, including 21 in World Cups. Only one player has scored more goals in men’s international football: long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 146 and has yet to announce his retirement from Portugal duty.

Messi became the all-time leading World Cup scorer for a month during the recent tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but ultimately finished one goal behind France’s Kylian Mbappé.

Messi decided two days after World Cup final

In a lengthy social media post, Messi explained that he wrote his retirement letter on July 21, two days after the World Cup final in which he struggled to make an impact, but delayed publishing it because his father was facing health issues that ultimately claimed his life.

Jorge Messi died on August 8 in his native Rosario.

Just two months after starring at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, where he scored both of Argentina’s goals in the final, Messi made his senior international debut at age 18. His first appearance lasted only two minutes as the substitute was sent off against Hungary in Budapest.

His journey with the national team was marked by both triumph and frustration. He briefly retired from international football in 2016 after Argentina lost three consecutive major finals before finally lifting the World Cup four years ago. In-between, he also led the nation to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

“Thank you for all the love these past 20 years,” he said.

“I’m going to miss hearing you all from the inside so much. Now I’m going to be one of you, cheering and supporting you from the outside (through thick and thin, even more so).”

Messi did not indicate how much longer he intends to play. The recent World Cup demonstrated he remains among the world’s best players, as did his four-goal performance for Inter Miami in a 7-1 win over CF Montreal at the weekend.

“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you – along with my teammates – moments we once only dreamed of. Experiencing this with you was incredible. I love you all,” he added.

The second retirement

Messi’s remarkable success with Argentina almost never happened.

A decade ago, he retired from international football following Argentina’s defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa América final on penalties, one of which he missed.

A public campaign led by Maradona and Argentina’s president persuaded him to reconsider, and Messi returned to the national team. He went on to silence doubts about his ability to win the biggest matches while continuing to shine for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

He is a two-time MLS MVP, the star of the league champions and a player who continues to deliver in decisive moments.

Messi is also an eight-time World Player of the Year.

“He is pure history,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said during the recent World Cup. “History. A legend.”

Forever grateful

The retirement announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes.

The Argentine Football Association wrote: “Thank you for everything, Leo. Thank you for representing Argentina. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for turning so many dreams into reality. The legend is yours, forever.”

Argentina and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul highlighted on social media “your unconditional love for our country, your internal battles to never give up, your strength in always enduring injustices, and your leadership and character in your dealings with every player”.

Leandro Paredes, another Argentina teammate, said: “Thank you for absolutely everything. You are and always will be the greatest of all time. We love you, Captain.”

Defender Cristian Romero added: “I love you, I admire you, and I will always be grateful for the impact you’ve had on me and on our country. Thank you for so much, Captain.”