Lionel Messi has ended his international career, announcing his retirement from playing for Argentina seven weeks after the Albiceleste were beaten by Spain in the World Cup final in the United States. The 39-year-old captained Argentina to World Cup success in 2022 and later added two Copa América titles, following his first appearance for the senior team in 2005. His decision brings to a close a spell in which he became the country’s leading scorer and appearance maker. Retirement Decision After July NotesOn Monday, Messi posted on Instagram a picture of notes he wrote on 21 July, two days after the World Cup final. In the message, he confirmed that he was stepping away from Argentina duty. He said the death of his father, Jorge, in early August made him feel “more convinced than before”. Messi had shown signs of emotion during the tournament and, in the knockout stages, revealed that his father had been receiving medical treatment. Message To Argentina FansIn the statement addressed to Argentina’s supporters, Messi said he had spent time reflecting after the final. He described the choice as painful, but one he believed was the right moment, and said he had always given everything for the national team, not only during the years when Argentina won major trophies. Messi added that the story was moving towards its end, while saying he had “emptied himself” and felt he had nothing more to offer. He also indicated that younger players should be given opportunities. He thanked his family for supporting him through what he called a beautiful but difficult journey. Messi had previously announced retirement from international football in 2016 after Argentina lost on penalties to Chile in the Copa América final. That defeat was his fourth loss in a major final from four at the time. He went on to continue and eventually won silverware again, lifting the 2021 Copa América in Brazil. After Argentina beat Brazil at the Maracanã in that final, Messi played a central role in the team’s first World Cup title since 1986, including scoring twice in the final against France in Qatar. The win came two years after the death of Diego Maradona, whom Messi had often credited with shaping his career and who remained a reference point in public comparisons. Record For Argentina And Ongoing Club CareerMessi retires as Argentina’s record appearance maker, ending on 207 caps. He made his debut in August 2005 in a friendly against Hungary, shortly after which he was sent off almost immediately after an elbow on Vilmos Vanczak. Messi also finishes as Argentina’s record scorer with 125 goals. Before his senior breakthrough, he won the Under-20 World Cup and later claimed Olympic gold in 2008. Since finishing his sixth World Cup, Messi has made seven appearances for Inter Miami, scoring four goals in the 7-1 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer on Saturday. He signed a contract extension last year that keeps him at the club until 2028, when he will be 41. Join the discussion? 1 September 2026
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