Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory and the 2026 final, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is Argentina's record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 games. After years of disappointment with the national team, Messi transformed his international career into a story of redemption and triumph.
Why is Lionel Messi retiring from international football?
Messi said the decision was painful but believes the time has come to end his Argentina career. He said he had always given everything for the national team and felt there was little more he could give, while younger players now deserve their opportunity.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Messi wrote: "It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come."
He said he had always fought for the Argentina jersey, not only during the years when the team won major trophies, but throughout his international career.
"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply," Messi added. "I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team."
Messi also pointed to the emergence of younger players as part of his decision, saying they deserved the opportunity to represent Argentina.
How did Messi's final World Cup end?
Messi's international career ended without the fairytale farewell he had hoped for after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time, denying Messi another World Cup triumph in what became his sixth appearance at the tournament.
Despite the defeat, Messi's place among football's greatest players had already been secured through his achievements with Argentina.
The forward had arrived at the 2026 World Cup hoping to complete the final chapter of an extraordinary international career. Instead, his final appearance for Argentina came in a defeat on the biggest stage.
What did Messi win with Argentina?
Messi's international career included years of disappointment before he finally lifted a major trophy with Argentina.
He lost the 2014 World Cup final and successive Copa America finals before winning his first major international title at the 2021 Copa America.
A year later, Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory at the 2022 Qatar tournament, completing one of the biggest achievements of his career.
He added another Copa America title in 2024 before leading Argentina into the 2026 World Cup final.
The trophies changed the story of Messi's relationship with the national team. After years of criticism and near misses, he became a defining figure in Argentina's football history.
What is Messi's Argentina record?
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and leaves international football as the country's record appearance-maker and scorer.
He finished his Argentina career with 207 appearances and 125 goals, figures that underline his extraordinary longevity and importance to the national team.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain forward, who now plays for Inter Miami, also became a central figure in Argentina's most successful period of recent years.
Messi said he leaves with "the peace of mind and pride" of having given Argentina, alongside his teammates, moments they once only dreamed of.
After finally stepping out of Diego Maradona's shadow, Messi leaves the national team with a legacy of his own as one of the defining figures in Argentine football history.
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