Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to his remarkable career with the national team.
Messi confirmed his decision on Monday in an Instagram post featuring a handwritten message in Spanish.
The announcement came weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
The Inter Miami forward revealed that he had written the message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8 had further strengthened his decision.
“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 Argentina 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.
“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, teammate, 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 teammates — 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!
“*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 leaves international football as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer, having scored 124 goals in 203 appearances.
His international career included six World Cup appearances, culminating in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
That victory ended the country’s 36-year wait for the World Cup and secured their third title.
Messi also played a central role in Argentina’s revival on the international stage.
He helped the team win the Copa América in 2021, ending a 28-year wait for a major trophy, before successfully defending the title in 2024.
The 2026 World Cup marked another significant chapter for Messi, although Argentina fell short in the final against Spain.
His decision to retire is not his first. Messi briefly stepped away from international football in 2016 after Argentina lost three consecutive major finals under his captaincy.
However, he later reversed the decision and went on to deliver the World Cup triumph that had eluded him.
With his latest announcement, one of the most decorated players in football history has now closed the chapter on his Argentina career.
