Lionel Messi has retired from international football, bringing the curtain down on his Argentina career after falling short in the World Cup final in July.
Perhaps the greatest player of all time, Messi had been hoping to lead his side to back-to-back tournament triumphs but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in extra time.
The 39-year-old made 207 appearances for his country, the second most by any men’s international footballer, scoring 125 times across a career that spanned more than two decades.
Lionel Messi celebrates with team-mates after Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt at World Cup 2026 (Getty Images)
Messi revealed he decided to retire two days after Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final, but he delayed announcing his decision due to his father’s health.
Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, passed away in August at the age of 68 after a long illness, after his son had returned to the pitch following the World Cup with his club Inter Miami.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
“It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come,” he wrote.
Messi was named player of the tournament after captaining Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, having also earned the Golden Ball in 2014 following the first of three final appearances.
He finishes his career as the second leading World Cup goalscorer behind Kylian Mbappe after the pair each surpassed Miroslav Klose’s record tally during the tournament.
An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Barcelona icon, Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team…
“It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all—not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.
Messi ended his long quest to win the World Cup in 2022 (Getty Images)
“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad—especially the bad).
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey—so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, team0mate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you—alongside my team-mates—moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!
“PS – I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”
Messi after defeat to Spain in the final of the World Cup in 2026 (Getty Images)
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