Messi says "goodbye" to Argentina, the legend's emotional message

Lionel Messi has decided to end his career with the Argentina national team.

The world football legend made the decision public through a post on social media, explaining that after much reflection, he has come to the conclusion that he has nothing more to give at this level.

The Argentine star admits that the decision is painful, but emphasizes that he sees it as the right moment to close this chapter. He also underlines that behind him is coming a new generation of players who deserve to have a place in the national team.

Messi ends his adventure with Argentina after 20 years, leaving behind an extraordinary record: 125 goals in 207 matches.

With the national team jersey, he won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, while also achieving other major trophies, transforming himself into the most important figure in Argentine football of the modern era.

MESS POST:

After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team...

It was a decision that hurt me, and still hurts me, fundamentally, but I understand that it is the right time. I swear that I have always given everything, not only in the last years when we won everything, but also before that. I have always fought and given everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and to make you proud to be Argentine through football.

There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved and will always love being in the National Team. I've given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming after me who deserve to be there.

Thank you for all the love and support over the past 20 years. I will miss hearing from you all. Now I will be just one of you, cheering you on and supporting you from the bench (for better or worse, even more).

Thank you to my family who has always been there, who has accompanied me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and manager with whom I had the pleasure of sharing this experience. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

I leave with peace of mind and pride that I have given you, along with my teammates, some truly dreamy moments. It was incredible to share this with you all. I love you!

Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

Long live Argentina!

*I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my father, I am even more convinced than before.