New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 20-year career with Argentina that saw him win the FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles and establish himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
The 39-year-old Argentina icon confirmed his decision in an emotional statement shared on his official Instagram account, saying that the choice had been weighing on his mind since the World Cup final defeat to Spain. The recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, further strengthened his belief that it was time to step away from the national team.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote.
Messi made his senior international debut for Argentina in 2005 and went on to make a record 207 appearances for the country. His journey with the national team was marked by extraordinary success, painful disappointments and, ultimately, redemption on football's biggest stage.
For years, Messi carried the enormous expectations of Argentine football. He came close to major international glory several times, including a defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final and setbacks in the Copa América finals. Those disappointments were followed by a remarkable turnaround.
Messi eventually guided Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, ending the country's 36-year wait for the trophy. He also played a decisive role in Argentina's Copa América triumphs, helping establish a golden era for the national team.
Despite those achievements, Messi's latest World Cup final defeat to Spain proved to be a turning point. He revealed that he had written his retirement message just two days after the July final.
“I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more convinced than before,” Messi said.
The Argentine superstar acknowledged that walking away from the national team was an extremely difficult decision because of the deep emotional connection he developed with the team and supporters over two decades.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that this is the right time,” he said.
Messi stressed that he had always given everything for Argentina, regardless of whether the team was winning or struggling.
“I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he said.
The emergence of a new generation of Argentine players also influenced his decision. Messi said the national team had talented young footballers who deserved the opportunity to establish themselves at the highest level.
“There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot,” he said. “I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give.”
Messi also promised to remain a passionate supporter of Argentina even after leaving the team.
“Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside — in good times and bad, even more so in the bad times,” he said.
His farewell included heartfelt thanks to his family, coaches, teammates and officials who accompanied him throughout his international career.
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey,” Messi wrote, adding that he would carry unforgettable memories from his time with Argentina.
Looking back, Messi said he was proud of everything he and his teammates achieved and of the joy they brought to millions of Argentines.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only have dreamed of,” he said.
He concluded his emotional message with a simple tribute to the country he represented for two decades: “Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let's go, Argentina!”
Although Messi's international career has ended, his professional football journey will continue with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028.
His retirement closes one of the most remarkable chapters in international football. From his Argentina debut in 2005 to the long-awaited World Cup triumph in Qatar, Messi's journey combined individual brilliance, perseverance and an enduring bond with his country.
For Argentina, the departure of its captain marks the end of an era. For football, it signals the closing of a chapter belonging to a player whose influence extended far beyond goals, trophies and records.
