Lionel Messi’s decision to end his international career has sparked an emotional reaction around the football world, but perhaps nowhere has the news been felt more deeply than within his family.
Messi’s mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, has opened up about the emotional impact of her son’s decision to step away from Argentina duty. Although members of the family were aware that the announcement was coming, she said the moment it became official was still extremely difficult for them.
‘I Still Get Emotional Watching Him Play’
Speaking to America TV, Cuccittini said she is still struggling to accept that her son will no longer wear the Argentina shirt.
“When I look at them playing, I still get tears in my eyes,” she said. “We already knew about the decision, but it was still very painful for the whole family. The most important thing, though, is that he is doing well and that he is happy.”
Messi reportedly made the decision to retire from international football after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Remembering Messi’s Father
During the interview, Cuccittini also remembered her late husband, Jorge Messi. She recalled that he often thought about the day his son would eventually stop playing football.
“He used to say, ‘What will I do when he no longer plays?’” she recalled.
Following Jorge Messi’s death, those words have taken on an even greater emotional significance for the family as they adjust to another major change in their lives.
Messi’s Farewell Message
In his retirement announcement, Messi reportedly said the time had come to make room for the next generation. He also reflected on his long journey with Argentina and said he had given everything he could for his country.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut against Hungary on August 17, 2005. Over more than two decades with the national team, he went on to make 207 appearances, score 125 goals and provide 68 assists.
He leaves international football as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
A Trophy-Laden International Career
Messi’s career with Argentina included several of the biggest honors in international football. Among his most significant achievements are:
2021 Copa América
2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
2024 Copa América
His departure would mark the end of one of the most decorated international careers in football history, with his legacy in Argentina firmly established as one of the greatest players ever to represent the country.
