Throughout his illustrious international career, Messi made 207 appearances for Argentina, scoring 125 goals. These figures cement his status as the nation's all-time leading goalscorer and its most-capped player. In his announcement, Messi reflected on his long tenure with the team, emphasizing that he has consistently dedicated his efforts to the jersey and the fans.
A Career Defined by Commitment
In a personal message shared on social media, Messi explained that he felt he had reached a point where he had nothing left to contribute to the national team. He acknowledged the emergence of a new generation of talented players, suggesting that it is now their turn to represent the country. He described the choice as one that still causes him significant personal pain, yet he remains at peace with the conclusion of this chapter.
Messi revealed that the statement was originally drafted on July 21, shortly after the World Cup final. He noted that the recent passing of his father, Jorge, served as a catalyst for his decision to finalize his retirement. Following his father's death, Messi admitted he had experienced growing doubts about his ability to continue playing at the highest level for an extended period.
Transition and Personal Life
While his international career has concluded, Messi remains under contract with
Outside of his professional achievements, public interest has turned toward the athlete's family life. Messi has been with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, for several years, with the couple having known each other since childhood in Rosario, Argentina. They were married in 2017 and have three sons: 13-year-old Thiago, 10-year-old Mateo, and 8-year-old Ciro. While the family is occasionally seen at major football events, the couple has generally maintained a private life throughout Messi’s career.
