Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in Argentina's history just weeks after the forward led his country to a second consecutive World Cup final.
Messi, 39, said on Monday that walking away from the national team was a painful decision but one he believed was necessary after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
“I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt.”
A legendary international career comes to an end
Messi leaves Argentina duty with 207 appearances and 125 goals, both national records. During his 21-year international career, he won two Copa América titles and finally captured the World Cup in 2022, scoring in the final against France before Argentina prevailed in a penalty shootout in Doha.
This year's tournament offered another chance at glory. Messi scored eight goals and supplied two assists as Argentina reached the final, including a dramatic run to the title match after a late comeback against England in the semifinals.
But Spain proved too strong in the final, winning 1-0 and ending Argentina’s hopes of back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
Messi was left in tears after receiving his runners-up medal and later described the defeat as an “immense” pain that would take a long time to heal.
His decision also comes after the death of his father, Jorge, in August. Messi had previously admitted he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football for much longer.
Passing the torch
In his retirement statement, Messi said Argentina’s next generation deserved the opportunity to lead the national team.
“I love, I loved, and I will always love being on the national team,” he wrote. “I gave everything I had, I have nothing more to give.”
Messi's club career is not yet over. His contract with Major League Soccer's Inter Miami runs through the end of the 2028 season.
For Argentina, however, an era is coming to a close — one defined by records, heartbreak, redemption and, ultimately, a World Cup triumph.
