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Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine National Team and the whole world reacted, including journalist Sofi Martínez, who has followed his career in recent years and with whom she was romantically linked at one time. Once the captain of the Albiceleste confirmed the end of his historic stint with the national team after more than two decades, Martínez shared a moving message and described the farewell as a true “grief” because of everything the footballer represented for her and several generations. "He seemed to light everything up," said the journalist.
Messi, 39, announced last Monday, August 31, that he is leaving the Argentine National Team, a decision he made after the defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup. In his message, he explained that he feels “empty” and that he considers the time has come to close this chapter. The Argentine Football Association also confirmed the closing of this chapter and highlighted that Messi leaves the Albiceleste as a world champion, captain, and the greatest reference of a generation.
What did Sofi Martínez say about Messi's retirement?
Sports journalist Sofi Martínez spoke about Messi's departure from the Argentine National Team in a video that was picked up by the TikTok account Telefe; in said clip, she acknowledged that the news caused her deep sadness.
"The truth is that the topic that brings us together has all the ingredients, including it being lovely because I think it is a great closing of a chapter, when things close well with so much love involved, it is a beautiful way to end these moments that made us so happy, and also obviously the grief that we all have to go through, which we saw coming but which doesn't stop hurting and makes us melancholic," said Sofi Martínez.
The journalist explained that for her, it is difficult to imagine an Argentine National Team without Messi, because a good part of her career in sports journalism was linked to following the national team and the footballer himself.
She added: "And when something remains over time for so, so long, for me, I didn't do sports journalism for the national team without Messi, so imagining a national team without the best player of all time, without him in particular who seemed to light everything up, because we are used to that mixed zone or that end of the match where when it ends, he passes by and something completely different happens, and that is what will no longer be there, and for a whole generation that lived through this moment of the national team and the sport, well, it will be a change."
Likewise, on her Instagram account, Sofi dedicated a few words to Lionel Messi in which she thanked him for everything he did for Argentina: "You touched every one of the Argentines forever and in a much stronger way than winning titles. Thank you, captain," the message reads.
Martínez's words did not go unnoticed and hundreds of internet users commented that it seemed she is in love with the Argentine player. “How in love this girl is with Lionel,” “Be careful, Antonela,” “It’s obvious she is in love with Messi, in her reports, the looks, everything, but he is a gentleman and respects Antonella,” and “I imagine Antonela seeing this hahaha” were some of the reactions.
Sofi Martínez and her bond with Messi
Sofi Martínez became especially well-known during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, when she starred in an interview with the footballer after the victory against Croatia.
On that occasion, the journalist dedicated some emotional words to the Argentine captain that went viral and even caused an emotional reaction from Messi.
During the 2026 World Cup, she also interviewed Messi again and was the protagonist of a moment that drew attention on social media. However, the journalist and Messi denied the rumors that linked them romantically.
Why did Messi retire from the Argentine National Team?
Lionel Messi explained that he made the decision after reflecting for several weeks on his future with the Argentine National Team. In his farewell message, he acknowledged that it was painful, but considered that it was the right time to close his cycle with the Albiceleste. He also noted that he feels he already gave everything for the jersey and that new players are coming up behind him who deserve to occupy that spot. “I emptied myself, I have nothing more to give,” was the phrase that impacted his followers the most.
When was Messi's last game with Argentina?
Lionel Messi's last match with the Argentine National Team was the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
How many titles did Messi win with the Argentine National Team?
Lionel Messi says goodbye to the Argentine National Team after winning four major titles with the senior national team:
- Copa América 2021
- Finalissima 2022
- Mundial Catar 2022
- Copa América 2024.
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