Lionel Messi will no longer play for Argentina. The news was announced by the captain of the national team, finalist in the last edition of the 2026 World Cup and winner of the 2022 edition in Qatar. Messi has reached this decision after a very difficult period in his life, experienced right between the start and end of the World Cup: the death of his father. An event that has greatly influenced his person and that has been decisive in making this decision: "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."
Thus, the dream of those who, perhaps romantically, had thought that Messi would and could play one last World Cup, the one in 2030, disappears. "After the time that has passed since the final and after thinking about it for a long time, I want to let everyone know that I am leaving the National Team... It was a painful decision — and one that still hurts me deeply — but I understand that the moment has come. I swear to you that I have always given everything of myself: not only in these last years when we have won everything, but also before; I have always fought and given my soul on the field for this shirt, to give you joy and to make you feel proud to be Argentine through football."
Messi wanted to make his decision known to the whole world, but he is clearly addressing the entire Argentine people who have supported and loved him unconditionally over the years, seeing in him the worthy heir to Diego Armando Maradona. He, like the Pibe de Oro, has been the only one who has managed to bring the World Cup back to Argentina as captain and protagonist. The only and inimitable player capable of making an entire nation fall even more in love with the Albiceleste, thanks to his magic as a champion. "Time passes, chapters close and this is a chapter that hurts me deeply - Messi continued on Instagram -. I love, have loved and will always love being part of the National Team. I have given everything I had; I have nothing left to give and, moreover, great young people are emerging who deserve to be here".
Messi makes it known once and for all that Argentina is in good hands today, with Scaloni capable of highlighting other young talents, ready to make an entire nation dream again. "Thank you for all the love I have received over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the stands while I am on the field immensely. Now I will be one of you, to cheer and support the team from the outside (in good times and bad, especially the bad ones). Thank you to my family who has always been there, who has accompanied me on this journey so beautiful and, at the same time, so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate and manager with whom I have shared this journey. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. I leave with the peace and pride of having given you — together with my teammates — moments that we could only dream of once. It has been an incredible experience to live with all of you. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me an Argentine. Strength to Argentina!"
