Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his remarkable career with the national team to an end.
Messi, 39, announced the decision on Monday, August 31, through an emotional post on Instagram. He said the decision had been difficult but that he believes the time has come to step away from the Argentina national team.
The announcement came weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain. Messi revealed that he had written his retirement message on July 21, two days after the final, but said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, later made him even more convinced about the decision.
Messi says decision was difficult
In his message, Messi said retiring from the national team was a decision that hurt him deeply, but he understood that it was the right time.
The Argentina captain said he had always given everything for the national team and wanted to make Argentine fans proud. He also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials who had been part of his international career.
Messi said there was little time left in his career and that some young Argentine players deserved their opportunity with the national team.
He also said he would now support Argentina from outside the team, including during difficult moments.
Father’s death influenced Messi’s decision
Messi’s announcement came shortly after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died earlier in August at the age of 68 following a long illness. Jorge had also played an important role in managing his son’s career.
Messi had previously spoken about uncertainty over his future after his father’s death. In his retirement announcement, he made clear that while he had already made the decision after the World Cup final, what happened with his father strengthened his conviction.
Messi’s final World Cup ended in defeat
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final proved to be Messi’s final match for Argentina. Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Spain, ending their campaign as runners-up.
Messi had already guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. He also helped the team win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, completing one of the most successful periods in the country’s international football history.
Messi leaves behind remarkable Argentina record
Messi finishes his international career as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer.
He made 207 appearances for Argentina and scored 125 goals, both national records. He made his senior international debut in 2005 and went on to represent the country for more than two decades.
His international career included three World Cup final appearances. Argentina finished runners-up in 2014 and 2026, while Messi finally lifted the World Cup trophy in 2022.
Messi’s retirement from international football marks the end of an era for Argentina, although it does not mean he has announced his retirement from club football. He continues to play for Inter Miami at club level.