Lionel Messi's retirement statement in English: Here's what soccer legend said about end to Argentina career

Lionel Messi’s retirement statement in English: Here’s what soccer legend said about end to Argentina career originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Lionel Messi put a bow on his international career on Tuesday night, scoring from the penalty spot while assisting two as Argentina claimed a 3-0 win over Benin at Estadio Monumental.

He addressed his faithful supporters — both in the ground and around the country — after the game. The 39-year-old called the opportunity to sport the No. 10 shirt for his nation one of his greatest honors. He also decried the wretched grasp of Father Time, the only thing preventing him from keeping his glittering national team career going.

Here’s a look at what Messi had to say to Argentines around the world after he wrapped up his international soccer career for good.

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Lionel Messi’s retirement statement in English

Speaking to the crowd of adoring fans that pooled into Estadio Monumental on Tuesday night, Messi expressed a series of emotions. Chief among them was his gratitude for being able to represent Argentina’s national team for more than 20 years.

“I have nothing left but to give thanks; it was pride for me to represent this jersey for 20 years,” Messi said. “Even in the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, giving my all, and wanting to always be here.

“Not coming back anymore will be a huge pain, I’d love to come forever because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen.”

Messi reminisced over some of his greatest accomplishments with La Albiceleste — from winning the first of his two Copa Americas to that much sought-after World Cup in 2022. He pointed to Argentina’s triumph over England in the 2026 World Cup as another highlight in an international career filled with them, thanking the fans for their support along the way.

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“Always playing to a full house, that’s beautiful,” Messi said. “The people making a huge effort, thanks to you we are always the home team everywhere.”

He saluted his teammates for their help achieving his lifelong goal of lifting a trophy with Argentina.

“I thank my teammates for this time that I got to share with this group,” Messi said. “They made me fulfill my childhood dream, of being a world champion, of Copa América, of Finalísima. … I knew I was surrounded by warriors who gave their lives.”

Messi called his retirement the “most difficult day” of his career. But he vowed to become an ardent supporter of the Argentine national team upon his retirement. He urged people to adjust their expectations slightly as the team readies for a new generation of players attempting to craft their own legacy. He also advised supporters to stick together through the inevitable adversity that will befall the group in the future.

“It has been proven beyond a doubt that when we are united, we are stronger than anyone and we overcome anything,” Messi said. “There are people who want to see the national team do poorly and we shouldn’t give them that satisfaction, which is why we must stay united.

“I’m talking more than ever because I don’t want to leave this place, I don’t want to leave the pitch. I just want to tell you that I love you, that I’m going to miss you, and that I’m proud to have fulfilled a dream alongside all of you.”

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