“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine”. Messi had kept the letter since July 21. He had written it in his own handwriting, two days after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain, when the pain was still fresh and the words came pouring out on their own.
But he did not publish it. He kept it for 41 days, until his father Jorge died on August 8 at the age of 68, after a long illness. And then, at 39 years old and with 21 years on La Albiceleste, he decided that it was time to let it go.
“It was a decision that hurt and hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is time”, wrote the captain, 2022 Qatar World Cup champion and two-time Copa América champion. S
He continues playing for Inter Miami until 2028 — what is coming to an end is only his time with the national team, the one that saw him debut in 2005 and say goodbye now with a letter no one expected to read this way.
Letters: