🩵🤍 Full statement by Lionel Messi: “I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final… today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before”.
“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.
"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.
"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.
"There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.
"Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.
"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.
"Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
"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!
🚨🔵🔴 Breaking: Sergio Busquets makes first step in his new career as manager as he signs in as Barcelona B assistant coach.
Busquets will work closely with Juliano Belletti while he follows the process to get his coaching license.
🚨🔵🔴 EXCLUSIVE: RODRI TO BARCELONA, HERE WE GO! 💥
Deal agreed for Spanish midfielder to join Barça from Man City, all done for the former Ballon d’Or.
Green light from Man City to last Barcelona bid.
More follows. 💣
Lionel Messi’s father Jorge has passed away at 68 years old.
Thoughts are with the whole Messi family, Lionel, those close to him in a very difficult time.
Rest in peace, Jorge. 🕊��
🚨🥊 Leo Messi: “It’s crazy what we have achieved… this can make someone sad, they can say whatever they want”.
“This group shows no one is giving us ANYTHING FOR FREE”. 🔇
Lionel Messi won 5️⃣ FIFA Man of the Match Awards at 2026 World Cup, all of this at 39 years old. 🇦🇷
🏅 vs Algeria (GS)
🏅 vs Cape Verde (R32)
🏅 vs Egypt (R16)
🏅 vs Switzerland (QF)
🏅 vs England (SF)