DUBAI/ISLAMABAD (MNN); Argentina captain and football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an emotional end to a historic career spanning more than two decades with the national team.
The 39-year-old announced his decision on Monday, weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain. Messi said the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come to step aside for a new generation of players.
In an emotional message shared on Instagram, Messi said he had given everything for Argentina throughout his international career.
“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come,” Messi said.
He added that he had always fought and given his all for the Argentina shirt, both during the team’s successful years and through earlier disappointments.
Messi revealed that he had written his retirement message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. He said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month further strengthened his decision to retire from international football.
End of a Record-Breaking International Career
Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances.
He made his senior international debut in 2005 and went on to become one of the most successful and celebrated players in Argentina’s football history.
The highlight of his international career came in 2022, when he led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, securing the country’s third World Cup title after a dramatic final victory over France.
Messi also helped Argentina win the Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, cementing his place among the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Six World Cups and a Final Farewell
The 2026 World Cup marked Messi’s sixth appearance in football’s biggest tournament, tying him among the players with the most World Cup participations.
Argentina reached the final after a remarkable campaign but lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time, bringing Messi’s final World Cup journey to a heartbreaking conclusion.
Messi had previously announced his retirement from international football in 2016 after Argentina suffered a series of painful defeats in major finals. However, he reversed his decision and returned to lead the team into its most successful modern era.
After his return, Argentina won two Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
‘I Have Nothing Left to Give’
In his farewell message, Messi said he would always cherish his time with the Argentina national team.
He said that different chapters of life eventually come to an end and described his departure from the national team as one of the most painful decisions of his career.
Messi said he had given everything he could to Argentina and believed that talented young players now deserved their opportunity to represent the country.
He thanked his teammates and supporters for the unforgettable moments they shared and expressed pride in having helped bring joy to millions of Argentine fans.
Club Career to Continue
Messi did not announce his retirement from club football.
The Inter Miami star remains under contract with the Major League Soccer club and is expected to continue his club career.
Messi recently scored four goals for Inter Miami in his latest match, demonstrating that he remains a major force at club level despite ending his international career.
With his retirement from international football, Messi leaves behind one of the greatest careers in the history of the game — marked by World Cup glory, Copa América triumphs, record-breaking appearances and goals, and an unforgettable legacy with Argentina.
