Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his remarkable 21-year career with the national team to an end.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday, August 31, through an emotional message shared on Instagram, saying he had reached the difficult decision after reflecting extensively on his future following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come,” Messi said.
The legendary forward said he had originally written his farewell message shortly after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat and had spent considerable time thinking about the decision.
Messi also revealed that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier in August reinforced his decision to bring his international career to a close.
The announcement ends one of the most decorated international careers in football history.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to represent the country at six World Cups. His greatest international triumph came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final to claim their first world title since 1986.
He also led Argentina to Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, finally ending years of disappointment in major international competitions after losing several finals earlier in his career.
Argentina came close to defending their World Cup crown in 2026, with Messi captaining the team to the final before they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain. That match became his final appearance for the national team.
Reflecting on his relationship with Argentina, Messi stressed that he had always given everything for the national team and wanted supporters to feel proud of their country through football.
“I always gave it my all, not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey.”
Messi also acknowledged the emergence of a new generation of Argentine players who he believes deserve opportunities with the national team.
He said he would now support Argentina from outside the team rather than continue as one of its players.
“I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give.”
Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates, directors and supporters who accompanied him throughout his international career.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football, closing a chapter that included years of near misses before the national team finally achieved major success under his leadership.
Despite leaving international football, Messi is not retiring from professional football altogether. He remains a player for Inter Miami, with his club contract running through the end of the 2028 MLS season.
Messi ended his farewell by reaffirming his love for Argentina and expressing pride in everything he achieved with the national team.
His legacy with La Albiceleste now stands at 207 appearances, 125 goals, two Copa América titles and one World Cup triumph, making him the most decorated and influential player in Argentina’s modern football history.
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