Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from the Argentina national team drew a pragmatic and supportive response from Inter Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino following a 2-2 MLS draw between Inter Miami and Atlanta United. Speaking at a post-match press conference on September 6, 2026, Martino told reporters that nobody should be surprised by the forward’s international exit, pointing to recent events in the player’s life.
The match itself featured a warm pre-match reunion between Martino and Messi, who embraced and conversed on the pitch before kickoff. Messi also contributed an assist for Inter Miami’s opening goal during the fixture, though the team ultimately split points with Atlanta United.
Gerardo Martino Supports Messi’s International Retirement
According to post-match comments reported by outlets including TyC Sports and Radio Gol, Martino explained that his motivation for seeking out Messi for a lengthy embrace before the game stemmed from recent family and sporting developments in the player’s life. The manager noted that Messi faced significant life events over a two-month period.
Addressing the timing of the 39-year-old forward’s departure from the Albiceleste, Martino stated that the move was entirely predictable. As detailed by Hoy Diario, the manager emphasized that fans and observers can sometimes hold an egoistic view, continually demanding that Messi pull on the national team shirt despite the immense pressure it carries.
“He has a beautiful family, and it seems fair to me that, beyond the sadness of not seeing him anymore with the Argentine shirt, we can say: ‘Go ahead, enjoy it, you’ve earned it,'” Martino said during the press conference, according to TyC Sports.
A Long History Between Manager and Player
Martino’s perspective is shaped by years of working alongside Messi across multiple high-pressure environments. The coach previously managed Messi at FC Barcelona, during a tenure with the Argentina national team that included consecutive Copa América final defeats in 2015 and 2016, and currently at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Reflecting on those past hardships with the national side, Martino pointed out that Messi has given an immense amount to Argentine and international football. The manager argued that the player has earned complete freedom to decide his own future alongside his inner circle and family, moving past the constant demands of international competition to focus on club commitments and personal life.
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