Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from International Football Amid Family Loss
Emotional Farewell from a Football Legend
Buenos Aires, Argentina - On September 1, Lionel Messi's mother, Celia, expressed her heartfelt emotions following her son's announcement of retirement from international football. The 39-year-old's decision comes shortly after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, who played a significant role in his football journey.
As reported by a local news channel, Celia's poignant remarks were shared by a news anchor, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of Messi's departure from the national team, coinciding with the recent loss of his father.
Jorge Messi, who died on August 8 at the age of 68 in Rosario, had often contemplated what life would be like after his son's international career. Celia reflected on the family's sorrow, noting how her husband's passing and Messi's retirement occurred almost simultaneously.
"I am still crying. Although we anticipated this, our family is heartbroken. The key is that he is happy. His father often wondered, 'What will I do when he stops playing?' And now, it has all happened together," Celia Messi shared.
Messi's retirement announcement came on a Monday, marking the end of an illustrious career with the Albiceleste, just over a month after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
In a statement penned shortly after the final and finalized following his father's death, Messi conveyed his pride and peace regarding his decision, stating that the recent loss of his father reinforced his choice to step back for the younger generation.
"After reflecting on everything since the final, I want to announce my retirement from the national team. This decision has caused me pain, but I believe it is the right time... I have always given my all, not just in recent years when we achieved success, but throughout my career. I fought hard for this shirt to bring joy and pride to Argentina through football," Messi expressed.
He continued, "Time is limited, and new chapters are beginning. This one is particularly painful for me. I have loved being part of the national team. I have given everything I could, and I have nothing left to offer. There are also talented young players who deserve this opportunity... I am grateful to my family for their unwavering support throughout this beautiful yet challenging journey... I leave with peace and pride, knowing that my teammates and I created unforgettable moments... Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after my father's passing, I am even more certain of this decision than before," he added.
Messi concludes his international career as Argentina's most-capped player and leading scorer, with an impressive tally of 124 goals in 203 matches. His career includes six FIFA World Cup appearances (2006-2026), where he scored 21 World Cup goals, including eight goals and four assists in the 2026 tournament. He also led Argentina to remarkable victories at the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the 2024 Copa America.
While his international journey ends, Messi will continue to play club football with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami.