Lionel Messi retires from international football

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team at the age of 39, bringing an extraordinary international career to an end after more than two decades.

Messi confirmed the decision in an emotional Instagram post featuring handwritten notes in Spanish. His final appearance for Argentina came in the 2026 World Cup final, when Spain defeated the reigning champions 1-0.

“The time has come”

Messi said he had made the decision shortly after the World Cup final, although the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on 8 August strengthened his conviction.

“It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote.

He said he had always given everything for the Argentina shirt and wanted to bring joy and pride to his country.

“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.”

Messi also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials, saying he would now support Argentina from outside the team.

A record-breaking career

Messi retires as Argentina’s most-capped player and record goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals. He is also the highest-scoring men’s player in South American football history.

His greatest achievement came in 2022, when he captained Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar. It was the country’s first World Cup triumph in 36 years and Messi’s long-awaited first major international title.

He also helped Argentina end a 28-year trophy drought by winning consecutive Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

Messi previously announced his international retirement in 2016 after Argentina lost three successive finals. He reversed that decision soon afterwards and went on to lead his country through the most successful period in its modern history.

Tributes pour in

The announcement prompted emotional tributes from across football.

Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, praised his determination and said he deserved the success he eventually achieved. FIFA president Gianni Infantino described Messi’s career as extraordinary and said his talent and humility had inspired millions.

The Argentine Football Association thanked him for representing the country, making supporters dream and turning those dreams into reality.

Former Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul highlighted Messi’s love for the country, his resilience and his leadership. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández also paid tribute to the captain who helped him win the 2022 World Cup.

“Thank you for the way you treated me, for everything you taught me and for allowing me to share a part of your story,” Fernández wrote.

England great Gary Lineker said Messi had carried Argentina’s hopes and expectations for two decades.

The end of an era

Messi leaves international football with the major prizes that once eluded him and a legacy that places him among the greatest players in the history of the sport.

His final tournament ended in disappointment with defeat by Spain, but his international career will be remembered for far more than that result: the World Cup triumph, two Copa América titles, record-breaking numbers and an enduring connection with Argentina supporters.

Messi is expected to continue playing club football, but the blue-and-white shirt will now belong to a new generation. Argentina must move forward without the player who defined its football for more than 20 years.