Messi retires from Argentina duty as a nation bids farewell to its legend | OneFootball

Lionel Messi, 39, has ended his Argentina career, confirming the decision on Monday 31 August after the 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain. His last appearance came at MetLife Stadium, where he sat in tears at full-time. The 2022 world champion departs having won everything with his country.

The player said in a post that it was a painful decision, that the time had come, and that he had sacrificed everything for the shirt to give Argentines joy and pride. The eight-time Ballon d’Or leaves with Olympic gold in 2008, two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and that World Cup.

This announcement appears final, unlike 2016 when, after another Copa América defeat, he stepped away before reversing course months later. Now, at 39, he looks intent on making room for a new generation.

For supporter Ramiro, imagining football without Messi brings a profound sadness. Aged 38, he feels he has lived through every step with him and believes Messi represents everything about the nation’s football.

Argentine sociologist Matías Schiaffino says football reaches far beyond sport, shaping identity and binding a fragmented society by channelling daily emotions. In that story, Messi stands alongside Diego Maradona, a tale passed from fathers to sons.

Whether that legacy can still drive the Albiceleste is unclear, with Argentina often seeming to play for their number 10 at the World Cup. Without their playmaker, they risk looking short of ideas.

Source: Le Progres

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”