Farewell to a Legend: Lionel Messi Announces International Retirement with Argentina

Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina ended in tears. The 39-year-old captain has now confirmed that the World Cup final against Spain on July 19 was his last international appearance.

Argentina lost 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium, ending Messi’s hopes of adding another World Cup title to the trophy he won in Qatar in 2022. The defeat marked an emotional end to his latest run with the famous Albiceleste shirt.

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After all this time since the final, and after careful consideration, I want to announce to you all that I am retiring from international football.

Messi announced his decision in a message on Instagram after reflecting on the period since the final. “After all this time since the final, and after careful consideration, I want to announce to you all that I am retiring from international football,” he wrote. “It is a painful decision that breaks my heart, but I know the time has come.”

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It is a painful decision that breaks my heart, but I know the time has come.

He also said he had always given everything for Argentina, not only during the years when the team won major trophies, but throughout his international career. “I always fought and sacrificed everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football,” Messi wrote.

Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and departs with 207 caps and 125 goals, records that make him both the country’s most-capped player and its leading scorer. He will continue playing professionally in the United States under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although his future on the field beyond that remains uncertain.

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I always fought and sacrificed everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football.