Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his extraordinary career with the national team.
The 39-year-old confirmed the decision in an emotional statement on social media on Monday, saying he had given the matter considerable thought following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” Messi said.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”
Messi also reflected on his commitment to Argentina throughout his career, saying he had always given everything while wearing the national team shirt.
“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,” he said.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance holder and all-time leading goalscorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals.
He captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar and also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
His final international appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
Messi said the emergence of a new generation of players also played a role in his decision.
“I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team,” he said, adding that there were “great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”
After more than two decades representing Argentina, Messi now intends to continue his club career with Inter Miami while supporting the national team from the sidelines.
His retirement marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in football history.
