From Wonderkid to Immortal: Lionel Messi’s magical international era comes to an end

Football legend Lionel Messi’s announcement that he is retiring from international football brings to an end one of the greatest careers the game has ever seen. But the question naturally arises – did the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, hasten his decision?

https://x.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/2094473142177509639?s=20

There are strong reasons to believe that it may have been the catalyst for Messi’s decision. Lionel’s father Jorge Messi was not merely his father. Jorge was also his agent, adviser and one of the most important influences throughout his career. His death in August, after a long illness, came only weeks after Argentina’s painful defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

https://x.com/TTrending48/status/2094597936948658489?s=20

Reports indicate that Lionel Messi was already considering retirement after the World Cup, but the loss of his father appears to have influenced and hastened his decision. The emotional exhaustion of the final defeat, his advancing age and the deeply personal grief of losing the man who had guided him since childhood all seem to have convinced Messi that the time had come to step away.

A hurtful decision, says Messi

His statement on Instagram (translated from Spanish into English) reads:

“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team.”

From the ‘Hand of God’ to the ‘Feet of Messi’, Argentina blessed with 2 incomparable genius

“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”

Lionel Messi’s retirement from the international scene, marks the end of an era in world football.  Pics: FIFA/X

“I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad—especially the bad),” he wrote.

“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey—so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”

“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you—alongside my teammates—moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.”

Messi carried Argentina on his shoulders

Lionel Messi’s retirement from the international scene, marks the end of an era in world football. For more than two decades, the introverted and soft-spoken genius from Rosario carried the hopes of Argentina on his shoulders and enchanted football lovers across the world. He leaves the international stage not only as one of Argentina’s greatest footballers, but also as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Messi’s international career began in 2005, although his first appearance against Hungary ended in disappointment when he was sent off soon after coming on to the field. Few could have imagined that this awkward beginning would lead to one of the most glorious international careers in football history.

Lionel Messi won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2005 and later helped Argentina win the Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Games in 2008

His first major success came with Argentina’s youth teams. He won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2005 and later helped Argentina win the Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Games in 2008.

Journey was not always smooth

Yet his senior international career was not always marked by triumph. For many years, Messi faced criticism in Argentina because, despite his brilliance with Barcelona, he could not win a major title with his national team. Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and also suffered painful defeats in the Copa América finals of 2007, 2015 and 2016. After the defeat in the 2014 World Cup, he toyed with the idea of bowing out. But later, perhaps after advice from his seniors, he decided to continue.

Argentina legend and king of records Lionel Messi bids farewell to international football

Similarly, the 2016 defeat in the Copa America, was also devastating to him.  Again, Messi briefly announced his retirement from international football, but fortunately for Argentina and the world, he returned. That decision to come back changed the story of his career. Under Messi’s leadership, Argentina finally won the Copa America in 2021. It was his first major senior international trophy and ended years of frustration. Argentina then defeated Italy to win the Finalissima in 2022.

His greatest moment came in Qatar

But his greatest moment came in Qatar in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Messi led Argentina to victory, producing some of the finest performances of his career. The dramatic final against France became one of the greatest matches in World Cup history, and Messi’s role in Argentina’s victory ensured that his place among football’s immortals was secure.

Argentina went on to win another Copa America in 2024, proving that the World Cup triumph had not been an isolated achievement. Messi’s international career finally had the collection of trophies that his genius deserved.

His farewell, however, came with another dramatic chapter. At the age of 39, Messi led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they finished runners-up after losing to Spain. Although the fairytale victorious ending did not materialise, reaching another World Cup final was itself a remarkable achievement.

Having played 207 matches and scored 125 goals, his international honours include the 2022 World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima, Olympic gold in 2008 and the Under-20 World Cup in 2005.

Produced moments of sheer genius

Wherever he played, his extraordinary ability remained unmistakable – the dribbling, the vision, the passing, the free-kicks and, above all, the ability to produce moments of sheer genius when they mattered most. Individually, Messi’s record is astonishing. He has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, more than any other player, and has collected numerous other individual honours throughout his career. His achievements place him in a class of his own.

What made Messi truly special, however, was not merely the trophies or records. It was the joy he brought to the game. He could turn the football field into his personal stage, dribbling past defenders with effortless grace and seeing openings that others could not even imagine.

For years, he lived under the huge and overpowering shadow of Diego Maradona. Comparisons between the two Gods of Argentine football divided the nation and the football world. But Messi eventually achieved what many believed he needed to achieve at least once in his career. Just like Maradona, he too won the World Cup for Argentina. In doing so, he created a legacy entirely his own. Maradona was a conqueror of the world, but so was Messi.

Messi’s unforgettable achievements

The man from Rosario leaves international football as a World Cup winner, a multiple Copa America champion and Argentina’s record holding goal scorer. He also leaves behind memories that will live forever. But there comes a time when even the greatest journey must end.

Messi’s international career is over. His story, however, will never end. Future generations of players and coaches will watch his goals, study his skills and marvel at the footballer who seemed capable of pulling out magic on the field. Not once or twice but again and again. Lionel Messi’s name and the memories will never fade.  However, he will still be seen in action for his club Inter Miami CF in the Major League Soccer, since he has not yet given up all categories of the game.

A journey of talent, perseverance, humility and greatness: Victor Amalraj

“Lionel Messi’s extraordinary football journey is a story of talent, perseverance, humility and greatness. From Rosario to becoming one of the greatest footballers in history is a remarkable achievement,” said former India football captain Victor Amalraj.

Argentine football great Lionel Messi with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy at the RGIC Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad

“Messi had a legendary career with Barcelona, filled with goals, assists, trophies and unforgettable moments. He, however, faced heartbreak with Argentina but never gave up and lead them to glory.

“His magical dribbling, vision, passing, finishing and football intelligence inspired millions around the world. Messi was more than a footballer; he became an icon and inspiration for generations.

“Messi may leave the international stage, but his legacy will remain forever. He has given football memories that will never be forgotten. A true legend. A champion. A genius of the beautiful game,” said Amalraj, who had witnessed the 2022 World Cup matches in Qatar.