Football is losing one of its most beautiful sights. Lionel Messi, the little magician from Rosario, has finally brought an end to his international career with Argentina. At 39, Messi leaves behind a legacy that is almost impossible to match — 207 appearances, 125 goals, a World Cup, two Copa America titles and countless unforgettable moments.
But Messi’s journey with Argentina was not always filled with glory.
A decade ago, in 2016, Messi announced his first international retirement after Argentina lost the Copa America Centenario final to Chile on penalties. It was his third consecutive major final defeat, following losses in the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa America finals. Frustrated and heartbroken, Messi felt that winning with Argentina was simply not meant to be.
Argentina, however, refused to let him walk away. Thousands of supporters gathered at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, asking their hero to stay. Messi eventually returned, and what followed became the greatest chapter of his international career.
In 2021, he finally won his first major senior international trophy as Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa America final. A year later came the moment football fans had waited for: Messi lifted the World Cup in Qatar after Argentina defeated France in one of the greatest finals ever played. He later added another Copa America title in 2024.
His final chapter was different. Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final but lost 1-0 to Spain. Messi had already written his retirement statement two days after the final, but released it later following the death of his father, Jorge, who had been his longtime agent and an important figure throughout his career. This time, Messi is not leaving because he failed. He is leaving because he has achieved almost everything.
Most importantly, he has also recognised that football must move forward. In his farewell, Messi pointed to the young players coming through who deserve their opportunity.
Football may never quite look the same without Messi in Argentina’s famous No. 10 shirt. But perhaps that is his final gift: knowing when to step aside and make room for the next generation.
The perfect era is ending. The future is beginning.
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