Agencies | Buenos Aires:
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the most extraordinary careers in the history of the game.
The Argentine superstar confirmed his decision after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, his final appearance for the national team, in which Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat. Messi said he had made the decision two days after the final and that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, subsequently made him even more certain that it was the right time to step away.
Messi, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest-ever players, made his Argentina debut on August 17, 2005, in a friendly against Hungary at the age of 18. Over the next two decades, he became the face of Argentine football and led the national team through both its most difficult periods and its greatest triumphs.
Messi’s defining achievement came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he captained Argentina to the title and won the Golden Ball for the tournament’s outstanding player.
His international success also included consecutive Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Finalissima, when Argentina defeated Italy.
Before establishing himself as the senior team’s undisputed leader, Messi had already tasted international success at youth level. He won the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and helped Argentina claim the Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.
In total, Messi finished his international career with 207 appearances, 125 goals and 65 assists, figures that underline his remarkable consistency and influence over more than two decades.
In an emotional statement, Messi said his decision to retire was painful but necessary.
He said he had always given everything to the Argentina shirt and had fought to bring happiness and pride to supporters.
“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too.”
Messi acknowledged that his departure was difficult but said he believed the time had come for a new generation of Argentine players to take centre stage.
“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot.”
The 39-year-old also expressed confidence in the younger generation coming through, saying they deserved the opportunity to represent Argentina.
Messi’s international career was not always defined by success. For years, he faced intense scrutiny after Argentina suffered defeats in major finals, including the 2014 World Cup final and the Copa América finals of 2015 and 2016.
At one point, he briefly announced his international retirement after the 2016 Copa América final defeat to Chile. However, he returned to the national team and eventually led Argentina to an unprecedented period of success.
The transformation culminated with the 2021 Copa América triumph, followed by the Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup.
Those victories changed the narrative surrounding Messi’s international career and cemented his place among Argentina’s sporting legends.
Reflecting on his journey, Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates and supporters who accompanied him throughout his career.
“I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team.”
He said he would now support Argentina from outside the pitch, promising to remain behind the team during both its victories and difficult moments.
Messi also thanked Argentine supporters for their love throughout his 20-year international journey.
“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside.”
Messi’s retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football and international football as a whole.
From a teenage debutant in 2005 to World Cup-winning captain and national icon, Messi’s journey with Argentina has spanned generations of players, coaches and supporters.
His career has been defined not only by extraordinary statistics but also by his ability to carry the expectations of an entire football nation.
Messi ended his statement by expressing pride in being Argentine and gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country.
“Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!”
With his decision, one of the most celebrated chapters in international football has come to an emotional close. Argentina must now prepare for life without the player who for more than two decades was its greatest source of inspiration, creativity and hope.
