Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, bringing an end to his illustrious career with the national team after more than two decades.
Messi made the announcement in an emotional Instagram post, saying he had spent considerable time reflecting on the decision following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
The 39-year-old captain, who debuted for Argentina in 2005, said the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come to step away.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote.
The Inter Miami forward said he had always given everything for Argentina, both during the period in which the country won major international honors and throughout the difficult years that preceded those successes.
“I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football,” he said.
Messi also acknowledged that a new generation of Argentine players is emerging and deserves opportunities with the national team.
“I gave everything I had, and I have nothing more left to give. Besides, there are some very talented young players coming through who deserve their opportunity,” he wrote.
The announcement comes weeks after Argentina finished runners-up at the 2026 World Cup, where Messi led the team to the final before they lost to Spain.
His decision has also been influenced by the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge, Messi’s father and longtime representative, died aged 68 on August 8 in Rosario after a prolonged illness.
Messi had previously admitted that his father’s death had left him uncertain about his football future. In an emotional tribute, he expressed the difficulty of continuing without Jorge, who played a central role throughout his career.
In his retirement message, Messi said his words had actually been written on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but that his father’s death had strengthened his conviction to retire from Argentina duty.
“Today, after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than ever,” he wrote.
Messi thanked Argentine supporters for their love throughout his 20 years with the national team, saying he would now support Argentina from outside the pitch.
“Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside, through the good times and, even more so, through the bad,” he said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and officials who shared his journey with Argentina, saying he was leaving with “unforgettable memories and moments.”
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of knowing that, together with my teammates, we gave you moments you could only dream of,” Messi wrote.
Messi’s international career saw him endure years of disappointment before finally achieving major success with Argentina. He won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2022 Finalissima, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in international football history.
His final major tournament with Argentina ended with the 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain, but his legacy with the national team remains defined by the transformation from a player repeatedly criticised for failing to win a major international trophy into the captain who delivered Argentina’s long-awaited World Cup triumph.
Messi concluded his farewell with a message that reflected his deep connection to his country.
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.”
“Vamos Argentina!”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
