Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina National Team

Lionel Messi has officially announced that he will no longer play for the Argentina national team. One of the greatest footballers in history is bringing his international career to an end after 20 years with La Albiceleste.

According to Messi, the decision was made back in July, shortly after the 2026 World Cup final, in which Argentina lost to Spain. The footballer admitted that he had spent a long time thinking about his future before finally concluding that the time had come to close this chapter of his career.

“This decision hurt and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come,” the Argentine wrote.

Messi stressed that throughout his entire international career he always tried to give everything for the team and the supporters. He also noted that a new generation of highly talented Argentine players is emerging and deserves the opportunity to prove itself on the international stage.

The final part of his message was especially emotional. The forward revealed that he had originally written his farewell statement on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. Following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8, he became even more convinced that he had made the right decision.

“Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more certain than I was before,” Messi said.

In his statement, he thanked his family, coaches, teammates, national team officials and millions of supporters for their backing over the past two decades. Messi admitted that he will deeply miss the atmosphere of playing for Argentina, but said he will now support the national team as one more fan from the outside.

Lionel Messi ends his international career as Argentina’s all-time record holder. He has made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals, both the highest totals in the history of the national team.

Messi’s greatest achievement with Argentina was winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also lifted the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, won the Finalissima, the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Messi also reached the World Cup final twice more with Argentina, finishing as runner-up in 2014 and 2026.

“I leave with peace of mind and pride for the unforgettable moments that my teammates and I were able to give to the people. Thank God for making me Argentine. Come on, Argentina!” the footballer wrote at the end of his farewell message.

Messi’s departure marks the end of an era in Argentine football. From a young talent from Rosario, he became the captain of a world championship-winning team and one of the defining symbols of Argentina’s national side.