Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi waves as he leaves the pitch after winning the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Austria at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 22, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Football icon Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending one of the most celebrated careers in the history of the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday in an emotional post on Instagram, saying the decision had been difficult but necessary.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi wrote.
Reflecting on his commitment to Argentina throughout his career, the veteran forward stressed that he had always given everything for his country.
“I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he added.
Messi bows out of international football after captaining Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, where the South Americans defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout to lift the trophy. His final appearance for the national team came in July, when Argentina reached a second consecutive World Cup final but were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the 2026 showpiece.
His decision follows a difficult personal period after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August. At the time, the Argentine legend admitted he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football for “much longer.”
Although his international career has come to an end, Messi is expected to remain active at club level. He is currently under contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season.
Messi leaves the Argentina national team as one of the country’s greatest-ever footballers, closing the chapter on a remarkable international journey that inspired millions of fans around the world.
