A jersey, a nation, and a two-decade-long love story between a man and his country—finally, its last chapter has arrived. Lionel Messi, who once donned Argentina’s iconic No. 10 jersey with dreams of glory in his heart, has now bid farewell to the shirt, announcing his retirement from international football.

Messi had been contemplating the decision since the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Eventually, on Monday evening, he announced his decision on social media. There was no grandstanding in his farewell message, nor any detailed account of his achievements. Instead, it was filled with a lifelong love for the Argentina jersey, gratitude toward his teammates, and deep emotion for millions of Argentines.

With almost every major achievement already under his belt, the football legend has decided it is time to stop. Messi did not hide how difficult the decision was for him. “It is a decision that caused and still causes a lot of pain in my heart. But I understand that this is the right time,” he said.

This farewell is not a story of failure. Rather, Messi’s international career is coming to an end after he finally delivered football’s greatest prize to his country following years of disappointment. Winning the 2022 World Cup and two consecutive Copa América titles added some of the brightest chapters to his remarkable career with Argentina.

Messi spent more than two decades in international football. The journey that began 21 years ago is ending with him regarded as one of the greatest footballers in Argentina’s history. His record of 207 appearances, 125 goals and 68 assists speaks volumes about his extraordinary contribution in the Argentina jersey.

Yet his relationship with the Argentine people has become more significant than the numbers. The early-career disappointments, criticism and repeated defeats in major finals were all part of his journey. Eventually, Messi became the captain who lifted the World Cup trophy for Argentina.

That is why, in his farewell, his biggest message was reserved for the people of his country. “My effort was always to make you happy and, through football, make you feel proud of being Argentine,” he said.

He then made his departure even more explicit: “There isn’t much time left. One by one, the chapters of life are coming to an end. And it is very difficult for me to close this chapter. I love being with the national team, I have loved it and I always will. I have given everything I had, and now there is nothing left to give.”

Messi’s departure does not leave Argentina without hope. In his own words, he expressed confidence in the next generation. He believes the time has come for the younger players who have emerged behind him to take their places in the national team.

Although he is leaving the national team, Messi is not giving up his role as a supporter. From now on, he will support Argentina from outside the pitch. He has promised to stand by the team in good times and, even more strongly, in difficult moments.

His family also featured prominently in his farewell message. Messi expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates and officials for standing beside him throughout a long and challenging journey. He said he will carry with him memories that, in his own words, will never be forgotten.

In the final part of his farewell message, Messi’s emotions reflected those of an Argentine more than those of a footballer. “I leave with the peace and pride of knowing that, together with my teammates, I was able to give you moments you dreamed of. Living through those moments with you was an incredible madness! I love you!” he said.

Then came the familiar call: “Vamos Argentina!”

Messi has said that the message, written two days after the FIFA final on July 21, became an even stronger expression of his decision following an incident involving his father. His retirement decision, therefore, was not made suddenly; he arrived at it after considerable thought, emotion and reflection on the realities of life.

Messi will no longer wear the Argentina jersey. But there is no way to erase his name from the history of that shirt. The 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, Copa América titles, heartbreaking defeats and the unforgettable moments of lifting trophies as captain—all have made the story of Messi and Argentina a permanent part of football history.

His club career, however, will continue. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will remain with Inter Miami. But for Argentina, the curtain has fallen on an era in which a young boy’s dream gradually became a nation’s greatest footballing pride.

Messi has said goodbye. And he leaves behind one question: Who will write the next chapter of the No. 10 jersey for Argentina?

Time will provide the answer. But the entire football world already knows how difficult it will be to write another story like Messi’s.