Lionel Messi’s football career is now widely regarded as complete in every sense. At club level, he has won virtually every major honour available, from domestic league titles to continental crowns. On the international stage, he has lifted both the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup, achievements that finally silenced the long-standing debate over his legacy with Argentina. Yet behind this glittering résumé lies a deeply painful chapter—one so harrowing that Messi has admitted he once felt he did not want to go on living.
In a candid interview with Argentina’s streaming platform Luzu TV, the Argentine great revisited one of the most traumatic moments of his career: the 2016 Copa América final against Chile. Although the interview was recorded last month, it was released only recently and immediately drew widespread attention. The match, held in New Jersey, ended in a penalty shoot-out defeat for Argentina, with Messi missing his own spot-kick. It marked Argentina’s second consecutive Copa América final loss to Chile and the fourth major final Messi had lost with the national team.
The psychological toll was immense. At the time, criticism of Messi had reached fever pitch. Despite his extraordinary success with Barcelona, he was repeatedly accused of failing to deliver when it mattered most for his country. The weight of expectation, coupled with personal disappointment, proved overwhelming. Messi later confessed that he felt consumed by regret and despair, stating bluntly that he “wanted to die” after that final.
In the aftermath, Messi announced his retirement from international football, a decision that stunned the footballing world. However, the story did not end there. Within a few months, he reversed that decision, driven by what he described as an inner calling that he could not ignore. Reflecting on that choice, he explained that every person must pass through their own struggles, but one should never abandon what truly matters to them.
Messi’s return marked the beginning of a remarkable redemption arc. Perseverance replaced despair, and belief gradually overcame doubt. His resilience was rewarded with long-awaited triumphs that reshaped his international legacy.
Key International Milestones After 2016
| Year | Tournament | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Copa América | Champions |
| 2022 | Finalissima | Champions |
| 2022 | FIFA World Cup | Champions |
Now 38, Messi embodies the principle of never giving up. From overcoming a childhood growth hormone deficiency to enduring years of international frustration, his career has been defined by persistence. His trophy cabinet, once criticised for its perceived incompleteness, is now overflowing.
While retirement inevitably looms, Messi has not yet confirmed whether he will play at the 2026 World Cup, though indications suggest it remains a strong possibility. What is clear is that coaching does not appeal to him. Instead, he envisions a future as a club owner and builder, focused on nurturing young talent. Already, alongside his close friend Luis Suárez, Messi has co-founded Deportivo LSM in Uruguay’s fourth division, a project rooted in youth development and long-term growth.
Messi’s story is therefore not merely one of success, but of survival—of falling to the deepest emotional depths and rising again to reach the very summit of world football.
