Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team, marking the end of a career that began in 2005. The Inter Miami soccer superstar shared the news via a handwritten statement on his Instagram account. The decision came shortly after losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain on July 19. Messi held off on announcing it, but cited his father’s recent death as a factor that solidified his choice.
Messi wrote, “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.” This decision was shaped by Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final. At 39, Messi described the defeat as painful, despite his illustrious career. He emphasized that he always gave his all, mentioning exhaustion accumulated over numerous titles, including the FIFA World Cup win in 2022 and runner-up finishes in 2014 and 2026, alongside Copa Americas titles in 2020 and 2024. The physical toll of these tournaments had been significant, leaving him drained by the time the final arrived.
Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He retires from international soccer as Argentina’s highest scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
About Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge
Jorge Messi was a steelworker from Rosario who later became his son’s manager and agent. He was central to Lionel’s professional career. Jorge and his wife Celia Cuccittini brought up their four children in Rosario, three hours from Buenos Aires. Despite being an average working-class family, they faced a significant challenge when Lionel was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at age 11. Financially supporting his treatment was difficult, as the cost ranged between $900 to $1,000 monthly.
Recognizing Lionel’s potential, Jorge negotiated with his employer and other businesses for temporary assistance. When that support dwindled, the family turned to Catalonian relatives, arranging Lionel’s trial with Barcelona, which agreed to finance the remaining medical expenses. Jorge relocated to Spain with Lionel, taking a scouting role in Barcelona’s youth system, providing continued support during Lionel’s early career.
Messi debuted with Barcelona in 2004, scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances over 17 seasons, and achieving 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League titles. Upon leaving in 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain for two years before signing with Inter Miami in 2023, where he has scored over 80 goals. Throughout his career, Messi won eight Ballons d’Or and lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
Jorge Messi’s Passing
Jorge Messi passed away on August 8 at 68, following a long illness. His funeral took place on August 9 in Perez, near Rosario, in a private family ceremony. His health had been deteriorating before the 2026 World Cup, preventing him from being present, impacting Messi’s experience of the tournament. Messi awaited messages from his father after each match, realizing the gravity of Jorge’s condition as these messages became scarce.
Following his father’s death, Messi traveled to Rosario privately, accompanied by his family. Inter Miami held a moment of silence before its next match. The Argentine Football Association also observed a minute of silence across matches nationwide that weekend.
Messi’s Tribute to His Father
Four days after Jorge’s death, Messi wrote a farewell letter on Instagram, expressing disbelief at his father’s passing. He described Jorge as a manager, a friend, and a source of sound judgment. Messi addressed his career’s longevity, confessing doubts over how much longer he would continue playing soccer.
Tributes poured in from soccer icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Luka Modric, as well as tennis player Carlos Alcaraz.
Messi’s Family
Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi’s wife, is a model and businesswoman, known since childhood in Rosario. They met through Lucas Scaglia, a childhood friend, and married in 2017, with about 260 guests, including Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Gerard Pique.
Messi and Roccuzzo have three sons: Thiago, born in 2012; Mateo, born in 2015; and Ciro, born in 2018.
Messi’s siblings are also closely involved in his endeavors. His oldest brother, Rodrigo, works with their father’s agency, managing scheduling and publicity at Leo Messi Management. Matias operates the Leo Messi Foundation alongside their mother, Celia, and is president of a sports organization in Rosario. Their sister, Maria Sol, leads brand strategy for Messi’s production company, 525 Rosario. Jorge stayed in Spain with Lionel while the rest of the family returned to Rosario.
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