I Emptied Myself, I Have Nothing More to Give” — Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina National Team After Father’s Death

An End of an Era

Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team.

The 39-year-old confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement shared on social media on Monday, August 31, 2026, bringing an end to a 20-year international career that defined a generation.

His decision comes less than a month after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on August 8, 2026, at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina.

The Final Decision

In his emotional statement, Messi revealed that he had actually written the words of his retirement on July 21, 2026, just two days after Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Spain.

However, he held back from making the announcement public at the time.

“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 wrote. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”

A Father’s Loss, A Champion’s Grief

The passing of his father, who had been his greatest supporter, friend, and representative, proved to be the catalyst that solidified his decision.

“Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before,” Messi stated, confirming that his father’s death had left him questioning his future in the sport.

Messi had previously shared an emotional tribute to his father, describing him as his father, friend and representative, and saying he did not know how to continue without him.

“I Gave Everything”

Reflecting on his two decades in the famous blue and white stripes, Messi expressed no regret.

“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.” “I emptied myself out, I have nothing more to give,” he added, acknowledging that a new generation of talent was ready to take the reins.” There are really great young guys coming up behind me who deserve to be here.”

A Message to the Fans

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Messi thanked the Argentine people for their unwavering support over the years.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.”

Legacy of a Legend

Messi’s international career spanned 20 years, during which he led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and multiple Copa América titles.

He retires having given everything for his country, with a legacy that will endure for generations.

“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! Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!”

His statement closed with a poignant farewell: “I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team.”