Soccer star Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a historic 20-year career with the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old confirmed the decision in an emotional statement on social media, two weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. Messi revealed the message was written on July 21st, two days after the final, but he waited until now to publish it following a personal family matter.
“After this time that has passed since the final, having thought about it a lot, I want to inform everyone that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi said. “It was a decision that hurt and hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment.”
“I swear to you that I always gave everything – not only in recent years when we won everything, but before as well. I always fought and left everything on the pitch for this shirt, to bring you joy and to make you feel proud of being Argentine through football.”
Messi said he feels empty and that the time has come for the next generation.
“I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. I gave it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, incredible young players are coming up behind who deserve to be here,” he said.
“Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will deeply miss hearing you from inside the pitch. Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside (in the good times and the bad, even more so).”
Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 and went on to become the country’s most-capped player and all-time top scorer. He retires with 207 caps and 125 goals for Argentina, a record that includes 18 World Cup goals, six World Cup tournaments, and a record 28 World Cup matches. 38bd
He led Argentina to their greatest modern era, winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the Finalissima in 2022. He was also a two-time World Cup finalist in 2014 and 2026.
Messi closed his farewell message with a tribute to his family, teammates and fans.
“I leave with the peace of mind and the pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dream moments. It was crazy to have lived it with you. I love you all! Thank you God for making me Argentine. Let’s go Argentina!”
