Lionel Messi Delivers Emotional Farewell to Argentina: “Not Coming Back Will Be a Great Sorrow”
Lionel Messi has delivered an emotional farewell to the Argentina national team, reflecting on more than two decades representing his country and the extraordinary journey that ultimately saw him achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion.
Speaking in front of a packed Monumental Stadium after his final match for Argentina, the legendary captain struggled to hide his emotions as he addressed the supporters.
Messi thanked his teammates, remembered his late father and admitted that saying goodbye to the national team will be one of the most difficult moments of his career.
Despite the emotion of the occasion, the Argentina captain managed to maintain his composure. Towards the end of his speech, Messi even acknowledged that he was talking for so long because he simply did not want the moment to end.
Messi Remembers His Father and Defends Argentina’s World Cup Effort
"SOY UN AGRADECIDO A DIOS POR SER ARGENTINO Y DE HABER CUMPLIDO EL SUEÑO CON TODOS USTEDES" Así cerró Lionel Andrés Messi su discurso en el Monumental, luego de jugar su último partido con la Selección Argentina. https://t.co/FIgff730dt
— DSPORTS (@DSports) October 7, 2026
Messi began by explaining who immediately came to his mind during the emotional moment.
“It’s a lot of emotions. Obviously, the first thing I think about is my dad.”
The Argentina captain also addressed the team’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, rejecting suggestions that anything unusual had happened during the match.
“The truth is that nothing strange happened, as some are saying.”
Messi insisted that Argentina had given everything during the tournament, while acknowledging the physical and emotional demands of their previous matches.
“We gave it our all. The match against England was incredibly draining for us, both physically and emotionally. We barely made it.”
Although Argentina ultimately fell short of another World Cup triumph, Messi made it clear that his teammates had given everything for the national shirt.
“We fought as we always do, but unfortunately, we couldn’t become champions. But have no doubt that every single one of my teammates left everything on the field for this jersey.”
Messi Thanks His Teammates and the Argentine Fans
Messi then turned his attention to the teammates who shared his extraordinary international journey.
The Barcelona legend expressed his gratitude for being able to represent Argentina for more than 20 years and for the experiences he enjoyed across the country.
“All that’s left for me to do is say thank you. It’s meant so much to me to wear this shirt for 20 years. I never stopped striving, fighting, or wanting to be here.”
He continued:
“This is a very difficult moment for me; I’ve been able to travel all over the country playing football, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve been fortunate enough to experience.”
Messi also paid tribute to the players who stood alongside him during the most successful period in Argentina’s history.
“Thank you to my teammates who helped me become a champion in every competition we played in. I had warriors by my side who gave their all.”
Beautiful tribute to Lionel Messi 🐐 https://t.co/AM8iUMDatu
— Fut Sheriff (@FutSheriff) October 7, 2026
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“Not Coming Back Will Be a Great Sorrow”
The most emotional moment came when Messi reflected on what it means to no longer represent Argentina.
“Not coming back will be a great sorrow. I’d love to come back forever, because playing in Argentina is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.”
Messi also looked back on the achievement that fulfilled the biggest dream of his career: winning the World Cup.
“As I said, the last World Cup was already more than I could have hoped for. We lived the dream of becoming world champions once again.”
After years of heartbreak and disappointment with the national team, Messi eventually lifted the Copa América before completing his international journey by winning the 2022 World Cup.
Messi Leaves a Message for Argentina’s Next Generation
Before ending his speech, Messi spoke about the importance of unity within the national team and urged the next generation to protect that togetherness.
“To build strong teams, you need to build united teams, because there are people who want to see the national team fail, and we mustn’t give them the satisfaction.”
It was a fitting final message from a player who spent more than two decades carrying Argentina’s hopes on his shoulders.
Messi may now be stepping away from international football, but his legacy with the Albiceleste is already firmly established.
From his earliest days as Argentina’s young No. 10 to finally lifting the World Cup, Messi’s journey with his country has reached an emotional conclusion.