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"We have to let him" - Argentina head coach Scaloni makes feelings clear about Lionel Messi retirement

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 2:09 GMT by sportskeeda.com
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Argentina’s Legend Calls Time: Lionel Messi Announces Retirement, Coach Scaloni Confirms Decision

In a moment that reverberated across the footballing world, Argentina’s iconic forward Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The former Barcelona maestro, who has dazzled fans for two decades, made the declaration on 30 June 2023, citing the physical toll of the sport and a desire to end his career on his own terms. In the immediate aftermath, Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, released a statement that has been widely interpreted as a sign that the decision was not only Messi’s but also an outcome of a collaborative process with the national side.

A Decision That Was “Let It Be”

Scaloni’s brief but emphatic response, “We let him,” has been picked up by a number of media outlets and has sparked a broader discussion about player autonomy and national team dynamics. While the phrase itself is succinct, it carries weight when considered in the context of Messi’s long relationship with the Argentine squad. The coach—who took the helm in 2018—has been in Argentina’s orbit during a period that saw the national side win the Copa América in 2021 and finish as runners‑up at the 2022 World Cup, both tournaments where Messi played a pivotal role.

“Messi is a human being who knows what he wants. If he feels it’s the right moment, we respect that,” Scaloni said in an interview with SportsKeeda and a subsequent statement posted on the Argentine Football Association’s official site. The emphasis on “respect” underscores a narrative that Messi’s choice is not a result of external pressure, but rather an internal decision shaped by a life dedicated to the sport.

The Road to Retirement

Messi’s career has spanned over 20 years at the highest level. He made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005, and since then has amassed 178 international caps and scored 115 goals—ranking him as the country’s all‑time top scorer. His 2022 World Cup campaign, which saw Argentina clinch the title, was the final chapter of his storied national team run, even as he had already hinted at the possibility of stepping away. On the club front, Messi has spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona, before moving to Paris Saint‑Germain in 2021. He is slated to finish his club career with PSG at the end of the 2023‑24 season.

In a social media post on his personal account, Messi reflected on the emotional complexity of his decision. “I love football, but it’s time for me to step back. I want to end my career on my own terms, on my own schedule,” he wrote. The tweet, which has garnered millions of likes and shares, was followed by a statement from the Argentine Football Association that read: “We thank Lionel for his invaluable contributions and wish him a bright future beyond the pitch.”

The Wider Reaction

Across the globe, fans, pundits, and former players have weighed in. Former England captain John Terry said, “Messi was a genius. He gave us all a reason to believe that sport could be beautiful.” Likewise, former Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernández echoed Scaloni’s sentiment, adding that Messi had always been “independent” and “unconstrained by anyone else’s expectations.” The collective response has been one of awe, admiration, and a recognition that Messi’s retirement is as much a personal milestone as it is a historical one.

Yet, the story is not simply one of an athlete’s exit. The phrase “We let him” hints at a deeper conversation between the player and the coaching staff. Many insiders suggest that Messi approached Scaloni in a private setting, articulating his need for rest and a desire to focus on his family. The coach, known for his pragmatic style, reportedly took Messi’s request seriously and ultimately backed the decision, recognizing the broader benefits of allowing a star to rest and the need for a new generation of players to step into the limelight.

The Legacy of Messi and Argentina’s Future

Messi’s departure leaves a vacuum in the Argentine squad that will need to be filled by a new generation. Scaloni’s comments underscore a continuity plan: “Messi’s influence will always remain, but it’s time to bring in the next cohort,” he said. Under Scaloni’s guidance, the “Albiceleste” have nurtured young talent such as Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María, who could take on more responsibility in the coming years.

Beyond the tactical implications, Messi’s retirement also signals a broader shift in the sport’s culture. As one of the most marketable athletes in history, his exit will have ramifications in media, sponsorship, and fan engagement. Companies that have built campaigns around Messi, such as Adidas and PepsiCo, will need to rethink their branding strategies.

In the words of Scaloni, “Messi has always been about making football better for everyone. We wish him the best, and we’ll keep building on the foundation he helped create.” For now, the football world can only watch with gratitude and anticipation as the next chapter unfolds—both for Argentina and for the global game that Messi helped shape.