Messi's mother's moving message after his farewell to the National Team: "I'm still crying, it all happened at once"
The mother of the Argentine star broke her silence after the retirement of the captain of the Argentina National Team was confirmed, following more than two decades in the international elite

The announcement of Lionel Messi confirming his definitive farewell to the Argentina National Team has caused a genuine emotional earthquake in the football world . After more than two decades wearing the albiceleste jersey and after playing his last international match in the final of the 2026 World Cup against Spain , the Rosario-born captain decided to bring the most glorious chapter of his sporting career to an end.
The news, although it was something that had been taking shape in the footballer's private life after mulling over the decision with his closest circle , generated an immediate impact on global sport . However, the hardest and most heartbreaking blow is being felt within the four walls of the Messi family, where coming to terms with this farewell is proving to be an extremely painful process .
It was the Inter Miami player's own mother, Celia María Cuccittini , who decided to step forward publicly to express the feelings overwhelming the "10"'s closest inner circle . In an emotional conversation with the Argentine outlet América TV, she did not hide the heartbreak and sadness that have dominated her days since the star's letter became public on social media .
Unceasing crying and the memory of Jorge
"I'm watching them and I'm still crying. Although we already knew, the whole family is very sad , but the important thing is that he be happy ," Celia Cuccittini confessed during the television interview. With these words, the captain's mother reflected the bitterness reigning in the household after the formal announcement , confirming that the prior preparation did not soften the harshness of the moment.
In the midst of her statements, the footballer's mother opened her heart to reveal a moving detail involving her husband Jorge Messi. Celia recalled the concern that for years had lingered in the player's father's mind about the moment when the boots would finally be hung up .
'"Dad would always say: "What am I going to do when I don’t play anymore?" . And it all happened at once, unbelievable," Celia Cuccittini revealed with evident nostalgia to América TV. This premonitory phrase made clear the cumulative impact the family is experiencing at a stage marked by intense personal and professional experiences .'
The emotional statement that brought the world to a standstill
The trigger for these reactions was the moving letter released by Lionel Messi himself to make official the end of his time with the national team . In his message, the Rosario-born star explained that, although the decision hurt him deeply, he felt that the time had come to step aside .
"I swear to you that I always gave everything, not just in the last few years, when everything was won, but before that as well. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey , to give you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through soccer," stated the "Flea" in the writing that moved millions of fans.
The former FC Barcelona footballer also argued that the generational смена is an unavoidable reality . He acknowledged that he feels completely drained when it comes to international tournaments and that it is the perfect time for the young talents who have been pushing hard to take his place in the squad .
The unbeatable numbers of a legend
Messi's departure puts the finishing touch on a legendary journey that began on August 17, 2005 in that memorable friendly against Hungary. From that fateful debut, when he was sent off after just a few seconds, the Rosario-born star built an unparalleled career with 207 matches played, 125 goals, and 68 assists while wearing the colors of his homeland.
Over the course of 20 years, the attacker managed to reverse years of disappointments and harsh criticism until leading Argentina into the most prosperous era of its recent history . The Copa América titles, the Finalissima, and the iconic triumph at the 2022 Qatar World Cup remain etched in the collective memory of the beautiful game.
The media impact and the irreplaceable void
Various international media outlets such as the newspaper Sport, the radio station Cadena 3, or the portal La Popu have echoed this historic farewell . All of them agree in pointing out that the captain's departure leaves a void that goes beyond the merely tactical or sporting to become a cultural event .
The figure of the Rosario native has marked several generations of fans who saw in him the greatest standard-bearer of world football . Commentators and analysts have compared the significance of his figure to the greatest icons of art , highlighting his ability to generate happiness almost in silence and solely through the ball.
As the Argentina National Team begins the search for a new path without its number 10 shirt, Celia Cuccittini’s heartfelt words capture the feelings of an entire country . The farewell of the king of football leaves an indelible mark and a family-like melancholy that will take a long time to fade .






