Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, ending one of the most decorated careers in the history of the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old announced his decision on August 31, 2026, through his social media platforms, sharing an emotional handwritten letter in which he reflected on his journey with Argentina.
Messi revealed that he had already made the decision shortly after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, but waited several weeks before making the announcement public.
The retirement brings an end to Messi’s 21-year senior international career and closes one of the most remarkable chapters in Argentine football.
Messi used his personal message to explain why he had decided to walk away from international football.
The Argentine captain acknowledged that the decision had been difficult but said he had reached a point where he understood that it was time to step aside.
“It hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come.”
Messi’s decision came after Argentina fell short of defending the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022. The defeat against Spain marked what would become his final appearance for the national team.
Messi also revealed that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, played a major role in confirming his decision to retire. Jorge Messi died on August 8, 2026, a few weeks after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat.
Messi had initially written his retirement letter on July 21, only two days after the World Cup final. However, he delayed making the announcement public.
The death of his father ultimately strengthened his decision to leave international football behind. Jorge had played an important role throughout Messi’s football career and remained one of the most influential figures in his life.
Messi retires as Argentina’s most decorated footballer.
He made his senior debut for the national team in 2005 and went on to establish himself as the country’s most important player for more than two decades. During that period, Messi experienced both extraordinary success and painful disappointment with Argentina.
His early international career included several near misses, including defeats in major finals. Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany, while Messi’s team also suffered consecutive Copa América final defeats in 2015 and 2016.
Messi finally ended Argentina’s long wait for a major senior men’s international trophy when he helped the country win the 2021 Copa América. Argentina defeated Brazil in the final at the Maracanã Stadium, with Ángel Di María scoring the decisive goal. The triumph represented Messi’s first major senior international title with Argentina.
He then helped Argentina win the 2022 Finalissima, defeating European champions Italy. The biggest achievement followed later that year. Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, defeating France in a dramatic final that went to penalties after a 3-3 draw.
Messi scored twice in the final and converted his penalty during the shootout. The World Cup victory completed the major international trophy that had eluded him for much of his career. Argentina subsequently won another Copa América title in 2024, defeating Colombia in the final.
Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s most-capped player and leading international goalscorer. He finishes his career with 203 appearances and 124 goals for the national team.
His longevity also allowed him to compete at a record-tying six FIFA World Cups, beginning with the 2006 tournament and ending with the 2026 edition.
Across those tournaments, Messi became the first player to score in the group stage, round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal and final of a single World Cup campaign during Argentina’s victorious 2022 run.
His influence extended beyond goals and assists. For more than a decade, Messi served as Argentina’s creative focal point and eventually became the team’s captain and leader.
Despite the difficult moments, Messi said he had no regrets about his commitment to Argentina. He emphasised that he consistently gave everything he had whenever he represented the national team.
“I always gave it my all … I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey.”
Messi also acknowledged the emergence of younger players who now have an opportunity to take Argentina forward.
“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.”
The Argentine superstar will continue his club career in the United States with Inter Miami CF. His contract with the Major League Soccer club runs until 2028, meaning supporters will continue to see him play at club level.
