Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 21-year career with the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday, August 31, in an emotional statement shared on Instagram.
Messi said the decision was painful but that he believes the time has come to close the chapter.
Messi revealed that he had written the statement on July 21, two days after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
However, he said the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, strengthened his decision to step away.
“I have given everything I have; I have nothing more to give,” Messi said, while also pointing to the emergence of younger Argentine players who deserve an opportunity with the national team.
An Impressive International Career
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the country's most-capped player, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
He led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar and also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
His final appearance for Argentina came in the 2026 World Cup final, where Spain defeated the defending champions.
Messi leaves international football having featured in six World Cups and three World Cup finals.
In his farewell, Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates, officials and Argentine supporters for their backing throughout his career.
He said he would now become “one more” supporter of the national team, cheering from outside the pitch.
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