BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 21-year career representing Argentina. The 39-year-old icon confirmed his departure in an emotional statement on social media, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final where Argentina finished as runners-up to Spain.
Messi revealed that he drafted his statement two days after the World Cup final on July 21. The recent passing of his father and longtime manager, Jorge Messi, reinforced his decision to step aside.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.”
Messi steps away as Argentina’s most celebrated figure, holding the national record for both caps and goals.
Having transformed a period of international heartbreaks into a trophy-filled final era, Messi emphasized that he leaves with “peace and pride” as a new generation takes over the Albiceleste shirt. He will continue his club career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.
