Argentina football icon Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in the history of the game.
The 39-year-old, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, leaves the national team as its record appearance holder and all-time leading scorer, having scored 125 goals in 207 international appearances.
In an emotional statement, Messi said he had given everything to Argentina but now felt he had reached the point where he had nothing more to offer.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,” Messi said, adding that he would always love being part of the national team.
Messi revealed that he had written his retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He said the recent death of his father, Jorge, aged 68, had further strengthened his decision.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also expressed confidence in Argentina’s next generation, saying several talented young players were ready to take their opportunity with the national side.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 in a friendly against Hungary, but his first appearance ended in dramatic fashion when he was sent off less than a minute after coming on as a substitute.
He would go on to transform his international career, eventually winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles. At the 2026 World Cup, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists before Argentina’s final defeat.
His international record also places him among the greatest goalscorers in football history. His 125 goals for Argentina rank second among all international scorers, behind Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo’s 146, while his 21 World Cup goals put him second on the tournament’s all-time list.
Messi had previously announced his retirement from international football in 2016 following Argentina’s Copa America final defeat by Chile, but later reversed the decision and returned to the national team.
Despite stepping away from international duty, Messi’s club career will continue with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. His current contract runs until the end of the 2028 season.
Reflecting on his two decades with Argentina, Messi thanked supporters for their unwavering support and said he would now watch and cheer for the national team from the sidelines.
“I’m leaving with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my team-mates, moments we’d only dreamed of,” he said.
For many fans, Messi’s international career will be remembered not only for his goals and trophies, but also for finally delivering Argentina their long-awaited World Cup triumph after years of near misses.
