SHOCK MOVE: Messi Delivers Emotional Message To Argentina

Soccer star Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, just three weeks after his father died at 68 following a battle with illness.

Messi announced the decision via Instagram, sharing a photo of three handwritten pages that contained his full statement — which he said he’d originally penned on July 21, two days after his team’s heartbreaking loss to Spain in the World Cup Final.

 

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Messi’s statement, translated, began: “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 …”

“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,” he wrote.

He went on to say that his retirement was not just a recognition that his own time on the pitch was coming to an end — but also that it was time for him to clear the way for some of the younger players who would carry the team forward in the coming years.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here,” he explained. “Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. 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 offered his sincere thanks to family and friends, as well as to his coaches, teammates, and even officials with whom he’d worked and played over the years: “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,” he added. “Let’s go, Argentina!”

Messi will still continue his career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, where the league with 18 goals so far this season.

“I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”