Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina’s National Team

Lionel Messi has declared his retirement from Argentina’s national soccer team. This marks the end of an illustrious international career that began in 2005. The announcement came through Messi’s handwritten statement on Instagram, following Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19.

Messi mentioned that he had postponed revealing this decision, but the recent passing of his father strengthened his resolve to retire. He specified, “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”

Reasons Behind Messi’s Retirement

The choice had been brewing since Argentina’s defeat by Spain. Despite the pain from losing, the 39-year-old Messi shared that exhaustion had been longstanding. Highlights of his career included winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, finishing runner-up in 2026 and 2014, and securing Copa Americas titles in 2020 and 2024. He noted that his legs were no longer able to endure the physical demands by the tournament’s end.

Messi will continue to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He leaves as Argentina’s leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances, possessing the most caps for the country.

Jorge Messi: A Father and Manager

Jorge Messi, Lionel’s late father, was a steelworker from Rosario, Argentina. He managed and later acted as Lionel’s agent for most of his career. Jorge and his wife, Celia Cuccittini, raised their four children in a modest home in Rosario, 300 kilometers from Buenos Aires.

The Messi family faced financial challenges when Lionel was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency around age 11. Jorge creatively secured funding from his employer and local businesses for treatment. Eventually, relatives arranged a trial with FC Barcelona, who covered the remainder of the medical costs, thus marking the start of Lionel’s journey in professional soccer.

Jorge moved to Spain with Lionel, taking a paid scouting role with Barcelona’s youth setup, supporting his son’s early career.

Messi’s Soccer Journey

Lionel Messi debuted for Barcelona in 2004, spanning 17 seasons with the club. He scored 672 goals in 778 matches, winning 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League titles. After leaving Barcelona in 2021, he continued at Paris Saint-Germain, accumulating 32 goals in 75 matches, before joining Inter Miami in 2023, scoring over 80 goals. Alongside his club success, Lionel won eight Ballons d’Or and lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.

Throughout his career, Jorge negotiated contracts for Lionel’s engagements with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.

Jorge Messi’s Passing

Jorge Messi passed away on August 8 in a Rosario hospital at age 68, after enduring a prolonged illness. His funeral, held the next day, was a private ceremony for family members at a cemetery in Perez, near Rosario. Jorge had been undergoing treatment before the 2026 World Cup, unable to attend the tournament in the United States.

Without his father’s presence, Messi felt the impact personally during the tournament. He awaited messages from Jorge after every match, noticing the severity of Jorge’s condition when messages became less frequent.

Messi flew to Rosario on a private jet the night his father died, accompanied by his wife and children. Inter Miami honored Jorge with a moment of silence at their next match. The Argentine Football Association held a minute of silence across the country.

Messi’s Tribute to His Father

Four days after Jorge’s death, Messi posted a heartfelt farewell on Instagram. “Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone,” he wrote, sharing his disbelief and sorrow. He reflected on his father’s judgment as crucial and insightful throughout his life.

Messi used this moment to divulge a topic he and his father never addressed directly: his playing future. After dedicating his life to soccer, he expressed uncertainties about his career duration.

The post sparked tributes from renowned athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Luka Modric, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Antonela Roccuzzo and Messi’s Family

Lionel Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, a model and businesswoman from his hometown of Rosario. Their childhood acquaintance blossomed into marriage in 2017, attended by famous soccer figures including Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Gerard Pique.

The couple has three sons: Thiago (2012), Mateo (2015), and Ciro (2018). Messi’s siblings, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol, work in various roles supporting Messi’s business ventures and other initiatives. Rodrigo manages scheduling and publicity, Matias directs the Leo Messi Foundation with Celia, while Maria Sol works in brand strategy.