Lionel Messi had already decided his international career was over. Then his father died.
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The soccer legend announced his retirement from Argentina's national team Monday, but one portion of his farewell message added another emotional layer to the decision.
Messi revealed that he originally wrote his retirement statement on July 21, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup Final. He didn't immediately release it.
Then, on Aug. 8, his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, died at age 68 following an illness.
"Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever," Messi wrote in Spanish.
Messi, 39, said walking away from Argentina remained painful but that he knew the time had come.
"There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me a lot," he wrote. "I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team."
Jorge Messi had been an enormous presence throughout his son's legendary career, serving as his agent as Lionel became one of the most accomplished players in soccer history.
Messi ultimately gave Argentina the moment it had waited decades to experience, leading his country to the 2022 World Cup championship. He also helped Argentina capture Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
His final international appearance came in another World Cup Final, this time a loss to Spain.
Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami. But after his father's death, he says he's more certain than ever that one chapter needed to end.
