Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after more than two decades with Argentina, ending a record-breaking national team career that included two World Cup final victories and a series of major individual honours.
The Argentina captain made the decision after his country’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi had been seeking to lead Argentina to consecutive World Cup titles after their triumph in 2022, but the final marked the end of his journey with the national side.
Messi, 39, finished his Argentina career with 207 appearances and 125 goals. His number of appearances places him second among men’s international footballers.
The forward said his decision was made shortly after the World Cup final. However, he did not immediately make the announcement because of the health condition of his father, Jorge Messi.
Jorge Messi later died in August at the age of 68 following a long illness. Lionel Messi had returned to club football with Inter Miami after the World Cup before his father’s death.
Explaining his decision, Messi said he had given considerable thought to the end of his international career before making it public.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
“It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come,” he wrote.
Messi also reflected on the commitment he had given Argentina throughout his career, saying he had always tried to represent the national team with everything he had.
“I swear to you that 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, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
The veteran forward acknowledged that his international career had reached its natural conclusion as a new generation of Argentine players emerged.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. 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, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.
Messi also thanked Argentine supporters, his family and the coaches, teammates and officials who worked with him throughout his long spell with the national team.
“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad—especially the bad).
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey—so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, team0mate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you—alongside my team-mates—moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!
Messi revealed that he had written his retirement statement soon after the World Cup final.
“PS – I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”
His decision brings an end to one of the most decorated international careers in football.
Messi’s relationship with Argentina’s senior team included periods of disappointment before he eventually achieved major success. He reached the 2014 World Cup final and received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player despite Argentina losing the final.
Eight years later, he finally lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar, captaining Argentina to victory and again receiving the Golden Ball.
His achievements also extend beyond the World Cup. Messi is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most decorated players in football history.
At the 2026 World Cup, he added another milestone to his international record. He ended the tournament as the second-highest World Cup goalscorer, behind Kylian Mbappe, after both players moved beyond Miroslav Klose’s previous mark.
Despite ending his international career, Messi has not announced his retirement from professional football altogether. He is expected to continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
His departure from Argentina therefore represents the end of his national-team career rather than the end of his playing days. For Argentina supporters, it also closes a chapter defined by his goals, leadership, setbacks and eventual World Cup success.
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