Messi Announces International Retirement

Lionel Messi has ended his 21-year international career with Argentina, saying the decision still hurts but that he understands the time has come.

The 39-year-old announced his retirement on Instagram after helping Argentina reach consecutive World Cup finals. He lifted the trophy in 2022, but Argentina’s bid for another title ended with a 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium in the United States.

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That was a painful decision and it still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right time.

Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and two assists. He played a key role as Argentina came from behind to beat England in the semifinal, earning a place in the final against Spain. After the defeat, he was seen crying as he collected his runner-up medal. He had previously described the disappointment as immense and said he would need a long time to recover.

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I swear I have always given everything, not only in recent years when we won everything, but before that too, and I always fought and gave everything I had for this shirt.

In his announcement, Messi said he had always given everything for the national team, not only during the years when Argentina won major titles. He also said a talented younger generation stood ready to assume the responsibility.

“I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team. I have given everything I have, I have nothing left to give, and there are very talented young players behind me who deserve to be there,” he wrote. Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 at age 18. He leaves with 207 appearances, 125 goals and two Copa América titles, won in 2021 and 2024.

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I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team. I have given everything I have, I have nothing left to give, and there are very talented young players behind me who deserve to be there.