'Football Legend' Messi Announces Retirement from National Team: "Leaving with Pride"

The six weeks between his June 27, 2016, retirement announcement and his August 13 announcement that year to continue playing out of "love for his country" remain one of the most significant periods in the history of both Argentine and world football.

Today (September 1, KST), Messi posted a photo of a handwritten letter on his social media accounts, announcing his retirement from the national team.

"Some time has passed since the end of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup final, and after much thought, I want to share my retirement news," he said. "It is a heartbreaking decision, but I know very well that now is the time to leave."

He added, "I have poured everything out and have no strength left. I leave with the peace of mind and pride of being able to give you moments that felt like a dream alongside my teammates."

Messi prepared his "retirement letter" two days after finishing as runners-up following a defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, and released it through his social media on this day.

This marks the second time Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team.

Messi previously chose to retire from international football on June 27, 2016, after losing 2-4 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of extra time in the Copa America Centenario final against Chile at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.

Having taken the first penalty and missing it, Messi was deeply heartbroken and returned his national team jersey, stating, "I did everything I could, but it hurts my heart not to become a champion."

Although he had won the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Messi faced heavy criticism from fans for failing to lift a major senior tournament trophy, such as the World Cup or Copa America.

All sorts of criticism were hurled at Messi, such as "He is not as good as Diego Maradona," "He disappears in big games," and "He plays a part in the nation's failures."

Ultimately, devastated after the 2016 Copa America final, Messi chose to retire from the national team with a record of 113 international appearances and 55 goals.

However, as news of Messi's retirement spread, all of Argentina was in an uproar.

Argentine football legend Maradona immediately urged his return, saying, "We have driven Messi to a lonely place. Messi must rejoin the team," and a "No te vayas Lio" (Don't leave Lio) campaign swept across Argentina.

In the end, softened by the persuasion of the Argentine Football Association and fans, Messi reversed his decision and returned to the national team on August 13 of that year.

Although he overturned his retirement after six weeks, major tournament victories did not come easily to Messi upon donning the Argentina jersey once again.

After being eliminated following a 3-4 defeat to France in the Round of 16 at the 2018 Russia World Cup, fans were devastated, believing that Messi's chances of lifting the World Cup trophy had practically vanished.

Messi's first major tournament title with the Argentina national team arrived five years after he reversed his retirement.

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final held in July 2021 to claim the championship, and Messi swept the top scorer, top assist provider, and MVP awards to celebrate his first major international title.

Triggered by the 2021 Copa America victory, Messi enjoyed a "second prime" by winning the 2022 Finalissima—a matchup between the South American and European champions—in June 2022, followed by his long-cherished, dream first World Cup title at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in December of that year, and securing consecutive titles at the 2024 Copa America.

Major tournament titles that would never have been experienced had he discarded the Argentina jersey in 2016 poured out over a span of just three years starting in 2021.

In particular, following August 2016 when he reversed his retirement, Messi played 94 more international matches and poured in an astonishing 70 goals.

Having given his all, Messi chose his second national team retirement following this year's North and Central America World Cup.

British public broadcaster BBC reported, "It is unlikely that the 39-year-old Messi will return to the national team once again," adding, "His official retirement match is likely to be held in Argentina."

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.