Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable two-decade career with the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on Instagram on Monday, August 31.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals.
“After all this time that has passed since the [2026 world cup] final and after thinking about it a lot, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi announced.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that now is the right time. I swear I always gave everything I had—not only during these last few years when we won everything, but before that as well. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to give you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football.”
Messi enjoyed a glittering run with Argentina, winning four senior international titles during the most successful period in the country’s recent football history.
He helped Argentina end a 28-year wait for a major senior international trophy by winning the Copa América in 2021, before adding the Finalissima title against Italy in 2022. Later that year, he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, ending the country’s 36-year wait for the game’s biggest prize.
Messi then added another Copa América crown in 2024 as Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 after extra time. The victory gave Argentina a record 16th Copa América title.
His international career also included runners-up finishes at the 2007, 2015 and 2016 Copa América tournaments, as well as the 2014 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.
Individually, Messi won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2014 and 2022. He also became Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, further cementing his status as one of the greatest international footballers of all time.
Beyond the senior team, Messi also won the FIFA U-20 World Cup with Argentina in 2005 and Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games, taking his international honours with Argentina to six when those titles are included.
“There isn’t much time left, and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more to give. And besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve their opportunity.”
“I leave with the peace of mind”- Messi
Messi’s decision comes after he led Argentina to their second consecutive World Cup final in 2026. Despite losing to Spain, he finished his international career having helped Argentina transform from a team that endured years of near misses into one of the dominant forces in world football.
“Thank you for all the love you have given me over these 20 years. I am going to miss hearing you from inside the stadium. Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside—through the good times and the bad, even more so.
“Thank you to my family for always being there and for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and official I had the chance to share this journey with. I leave with unforgettable memories and moments.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of knowing that, together with my teammates, we gave you moments you could only dream of. It was crazy to have lived it all with you. I love you!”
Messi’s international retirement does not mark the end of his playing career. He remains a professional player with Inter Miami, where he continues his club career in Major League Soccer.
