According to Ole, Lionel Messi informed his Argentina teammates of his retirement decision immediately after the FIFA World Cup final. Following the match, he also left a message, and the story behind this farewell has gradually come to light.

This story unfolded after the FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

After the final whistle, Messi stood amid the crowd with his medal around his neck, gazing into the distance. The sight broke many fans' hearts. Despite delivering a legendary performance at this World Cup and playing a tournament befitting his stature, Messi ultimately failed to lift the trophy once more.

In the face of this overwhelming loss and sadness, Messi realized that his story with the Argentina national team had reached its final chapter. This was not merely the end of a match, but the end of his 21-year career wearing the light blue and white.

It was reported that on July 19, the day the FIFA World Cup final ended, Messi quickly communicated this decision to his teammates. When the team returned to the dressing room, captain Messi waited for the right moment, speaking only in the final minutes. Afterward, the team went to the hotel for dinner and began their journey home.

As team captain and spiritual leader, Messi felt compelled to address his teammates after the final defeat. He first thanked everyone for their efforts and praised the team's hard work throughout the tournament.

Messi specifically mentioned that during this World Cup, many players had battled through injuries, and some were not in ideal physical condition, yet everyone gave their all. He expressed his pride in his teammates.

Then, Messi informed everyone that his journey as captain of this team had come to an end.

"This is my last match for the national team," Messi said.

This statement also meant that the FIFA World Cup final against Spain would be his final match wearing an Argentina jersey.

Although after the World Cup there was speculation about whether Messi would continue his international career—at 39 years old, he remained at an exceptionally high competitive level, giving many hope he would continue—Messi had made his decision.

Before his departure, Messi also made a request of his teammates.

"The only thing I ask of you is to stay together as this incredible team. This is the team that brought us here, that allowed us to build all of this, and to achieve everything we have."

These words reflected Messi's final responsibility as captain. He hoped that even after his departure, Argentina could continue on this path of success.

In fact, in the painful moments following the final loss, some players who left the United States still hoped Messi would reconsider and remain with the national team. This is why the dressing room conversation was not made public until it gradually emerged later.

Argentina midfielder Paredes revealed upon returning home: "Leo has decided that the final was his last match. It's very painful for the national team to lose our captain. We hope he will continue playing."

However, in the end, nothing changed Messi's initial decision.

As Messi wrote in his farewell letter: "These words were written on July 21, two days after the final. Now, after what happened with my father, I am more determined than ever..."

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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