Lionel Messi announces Argentina exit: “It hurts a lot”

Lionel Messi addressed the crowd and media after the match on October 7, 2026, announcing his decision to leave the Argentina national team and describing the moment as deeply painful and emotional.

Messi thanks family, teammates and fans

After taking the microphone, Messi thanked his family, his teammates and supporters, and reflected on more than two decades wearing the Argentina shirt. He said the occasion stirred many memories and thoughts, and that his father was the first person who came to mind.

Messi spoke candidly about the weight of the decision. "Today it's hard to say anything, there are a lot of emotions, a lot of things running through my head. First I think of my father. All I can do is thank everyone, as I said in the farewell letter. It was a huge honor for me to wear this jersey for more than 20 years. Even in the toughest moments we went through, I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all and always being there," he said.

He admitted one of the hardest parts will be no longer attending national team call-ups. "It will hurt me a lot that I won't be coming anymore. I swear to you, I would like to come all my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you," Messi added.

The captain also looked back at the last World Cup and Argentina's run toward another title, saying the experience there played a role in his decision. "Although I want to be here forever, I feel the moment has come. Everything I experienced at the last World Cup was too much. We dreamed of becoming world champions again, we were very close and the truth is that nothing unusual happened," the Argentina captain said.

Messi singled out the teammates with whom he won the World Cup, the Copa América and the Finalissima, thanking them for enabling him to fulfil a childhood dream. He closed by addressing the fans: "I will miss playing here very much. I was lucky to travel the whole country and everywhere I received enormous love. I am grateful for everything I experienced," he said.

Photo: Fudbalska Federacija na Makedonija