Lionel Messi retires from Argentina duty after 21-year-long international career
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner says he has nothing more left to give
DUBAI – Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after a 21-year career with Argentina, bringing one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of the national team to an end.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on Instagram after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19.
Messi, who led Argentina to a second successive World Cup final, said the decision was painful but that he understood the time had come to step away.
Emotional farewell
Messi said he made the decision after giving it considerable thought and wrote his message two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner described the choice as one that “hurt and still hurts deep in my soul”, while saying he believed it was the right time.
“After what happened with my father, I am more convinced than ever,” Messi added in his message.
The Rosario-born forward reflected on his commitment to the Argentina shirt throughout his international career. He said he had “always given everything” to the team and its supporters, not only during the years in which Argentina returned to winning major trophies, but throughout his entire international journey.
“I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” Messi wrote.
Messi also acknowledged that his time with the national team was drawing to a close. “There isn’t much time left, and chapters are gradually coming to a close, and this is one that hurts me a lot,” he said, reaffirming his love for representing Argentina.
Record numbers
Messi leaves international football with 207 appearances for Argentina, putting him second on the all-time list of men’s international appearances. He scored 125 goals for his country, establishing himself as Argentina’s leading scorer.
His international career began more than two decades ago and included periods of disappointment before Argentina’s return to major tournament success. Messi captained the team through both difficult campaigns and historic victories, eventually helping end the country’s long wait for major silverware.
The defining moment came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Messi inspired Argentina to their third world title. He was named Player of the Tournament, having also won the same individual award at the 2014 World Cup, when Argentina reached the final in Brazil.
Trophy-filled era
Messi’s international honours also include Argentina’s Copa America triumph in 2021, which ended another lengthy wait for a major trophy, followed by victory over Italy in the Finalissima at Wembley.
His second consecutive World Cup final appearance in 2026 provided another opportunity for Argentina to defend their place at the summit, but Spain secured a 1-0 victory after extra time.
Messi said he leaves the national team proud of what he achieved alongside his teammates and grateful for the support he received throughout his career. He thanked Argentina’s supporters, as well as his family, coaches and teammates, for being part of the journey.
“Now I’ll be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside,” Messi wrote, adding that he would continue to back the team in good times and bad.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only have dreamed of,” he said. “It was crazy to have lived it all with you. I love you!”