Lionel Messi has retired from international football, bringing to a close a remarkable run with Argentina that saw him become the nation’s all-time leading scorer and captain the team to World Cup glory.
The 39-year-old revealed the news in two Instagram posts. One featured a video montage from his Argentina career, while the other showed a photo alongside handwritten notes in which he explained his decision. Messi said he wrote the message two days after the World Cup final, and added that the death of his father, Jorge, on August 8 only reinforced his belief that stepping away was the right choice.
His announcement came after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain. In the message, originally written in Spanish and translated to English, Messi said: “After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team.”
He continued: “It was a decision that hurt, and hurts to the very soul, but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.
“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad, especially the bad).
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey, so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, team-mate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my team-mates, moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. ‘Let’s go, Argentina!’“
Messi leaves the national side with 125 goals in 207 appearances, both Argentina records. Of those goals, 21 came in World Cups. Only France’s Kylian Mbappé, with 22, has scored more in the tournament, despite playing in only three editions. In men’s international football, Messi’s 125 goals trail only Cristiano Ronaldo’s 146, while his 207 appearances place him behind Ronaldo’s 233 for Portugal.
He played in six World Cups, appearing in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments, a mark tied with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo for the most. Messi won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, and also reached the final in 2014 and 2026, losing to Germany and Spain respectively.
Alongside the 2022 World Cup triumph, Messi won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and also claimed Olympic gold with Argentina’s under 23s in 2008. Individually, he won the Ballon d’Or eight times and collected the FIFA World Cup golden ball twice.
His Argentina journey began in a friendly against Hungary in August 2005. That debut lasted less than a minute before he was sent off for elbowing an opponent. Twenty-one years later, he has ended his international career as the team’s defining figure.
The reaction to his retirement was immediate. Argentina President Javier Milei wrote on Instagram: “Thank you very much, impossible man.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Messi “for an extraordinary international career that has inspired millions of people and redefined our sport. Your magical talent and humility will be remembered forever.”
The Argentine Football Association said: “Thank you for everything, Leo. Thank you for representing Argentina. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for turning so many dreams into reality. The legend is yours, forever.”
Argentina and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul pointed to “your unconditional love for our country, your internal battles to never give up, your strength in always enduring injustices, and your leadership and character in your dealings with every player.”
Leandro Paredes said, “Thank you for absolutely everything. You are and always will be the greatest of all time. We love you, Captain.”
Defender Cristian Romero added: “I love you, I admire you, and I will always be grateful for the impact you’ve had on me and on our country. Thank you for so much, Captain.”
Messi retires from Argentina duty as an Inter Miami forward, with the sport leaving behind one of the greatest international careers it has seen.
