Lionel Messi
ON THE RECORD · 14 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“I don’t know, I’m talking more than ever. I don’t want to leave here. I love you”
Lionel Messi · said 2026-10-06 · reported 2026-10-07
Messi spoke these words during his farewell speech at the Monumental Stadium after his final match for Argentina against Benin.
“We had the dream of fulfilling our dream,”
Lionel Messi · said 2026-10-06 · reported 2026-10-07
Messi spoke during his farewell speech at the Monumental Stadium after his final appearance for Argentina against Benin.
“Nothing odd happened. The match against England wore us out at an emotional level”
Lionel Messi · said 2026-10-06 · reported 2026-10-07
Messi addressed conspiracy theories about the World Cup final during his farewell speech at the Monumental Stadium after the Benin match.
“I'm going to miss hearing you from the pitch so much.”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Messi told supporters he is going to miss hearing them from the pitch so much.
“I'm leaving with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my team-mates, moments we'd only dreamed of.”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Messi said he is leaving with peace of mind and pride of having given supporters, together with his team-mates, moments they had only dreamed of.
“I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Messi said he loves, has loved, and will always love being part of the national team.
“Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years,”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Addressing supporters in his retirement message, Messi thanked them for all the love over the past 20 years.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Messi added that time is running short and chapters come to a close, and this one hurts him deeply.
“nothing left to give”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Messi said in a statement he has given everything to the national side but now has nothing left to give.
“Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced than before.”
Lionel Messi · said 2026-08-31 · reported 2026-08-31
Messi added on Instagram on Monday that after what happened with his dad, he is even more convinced than before.
“It was incredible to have experienced this with you all. I love you!”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Messi concluded his message to supporters by saying it was incredible to have experienced this with them all and that he loves them.
“I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Messi said he has given it his all and has nothing left to give, noting great young players coming through behind him.
“Now I'll be just one of you, always cheering and supporting from the sidelines.”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Messi said he will be just one of the supporters, always cheering and supporting from the sidelines.
“the time has come”
Lionel Messi · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-31
Messi announced his retirement from international football, saying the decision hurt but the time had come.