Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing his historic 21-year career with Argentina to an end.
The 39-year-old confirmed his decision on Monday through a message posted on social media, seven weeks after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Messi revealed that he had written his retirement message on July 21, two days after the final, but waited before making it public.
The death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier in August also played a significant role in the timing of the announcement. Messi explained that the personal loss left him even more convinced that the moment had arrived to close his international career.
Messi described the decision as deeply painful but said he believes it is the right time to step aside. He emphasized that he gave everything he could to Argentina throughout his career, including during the difficult years before the national team’s recent run of success.
He also thanked Argentina’s supporters, his family, coaches, teammates and officials who accompanied him throughout his international career. Messi said he will continue supporting the national team as a fan and believes Argentina has a talented new generation ready for greater responsibility.
Messi Leaves Argentina as Its Record Goalscorer and Appearance Leader
Messi made his senior Argentina debut against Hungary on Aug. 17, 2005, beginning an international career that ultimately produced 207 appearances and 125 goals, both national records. He also recorded 68 assists according to MLS, giving him another Argentina record.
His international journey was not always defined by success. Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final and suffered consecutive Copa América final defeats against Chile in 2015 and 2016. After the second loss, Messi briefly announced his international retirement before reversing the decision and returning to the national team.
The breakthrough finally arrived with the 2021 Copa América, when Argentina defeated Brazil at the Maracanã to give Messi his first major senior international trophy.
One year later, Messi reached the defining achievement of his Argentina career. He captained his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, ending Argentina’s 36-year wait for another world championship.
Messi and Argentina followed that success by winning the 2024 Copa América, extending a period that completely transformed the final years of his international career.
The 2026 World Cup Became Messi’s Final Argentina Tournament
Messi returned for one final World Cup in 2026 and helped Argentina reach another final.
Argentina faced Spain on July 19 at New York/New Jersey Stadium, where Messi’s attempt to win consecutive World Cups ended with a 1-0 defeat after extra time. It proved to be his final appearance for his country.
He finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists as Argentina reached a second consecutive World Cup final.
Messi leaves international football after representing Argentina across more than two decades and six World Cups. His career took him from years of painful final defeats and criticism to becoming a World Cup-winning captain and the country’s record holder for appearances and goals.
His playing career continues with Inter Miami, but his time wearing Argentina’s No. 10 shirt has officially ended.
