Add The New York Post on Google Lionel Messi’s final game in an Argentina shirt was this year’s World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium.
The soccer legend, 39, announced on Monday that he is retiring from the national team after Argentina lost to Spain in the final, four years after he led his country to a World Cup title. He noted in his Instagram post, which featured a photo of a handwritten message across three pieces of notebook paper, that he wrote those words on July 21, two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain.
Messi’s decision comes more than three weeks after his father, Jorge, died at 68 following a battle with an illness.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi looks dejected after losing the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. REUTERS “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever,” Messi wrote in Spanish.
Messi, who is still playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, has the most goals scored (125) and most appearances (207) for Argentina.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts to my core, but I understand that it’s the right time,” Messi wrote in Spanish. “I swear that I always gave my all, not only in the last few years when we won everything, but also before, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentinian through football.
Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, holds his son’s “Best player of the World Cup” trophy following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France on Dec. 18, 2022. Getty Images “There’s not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I’ve given everything; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.”
