Argentina legend Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing a definitive close to a legendary 21-year career with the Albiceleste.
The 39-year-old forward, who famously captained his country to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, departs as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having amassed 125 goals in 207 appearances.
In a heartfelt statement released on Monday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed that the decision had been weighing heavily on his mind since July.
He shared that he originally wrote his retirement message on July 21, just two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in this summer’s World Cup final. “Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced than before,” Messi added on Instagram, referencing the recent passing of his father, Jorge, who died in August at the age of 68.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of stepping away from the national team, Messi admitted that the transition was difficult to accept. “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,” he stated. “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.”
Messi’s international journey began back in 2005 under dramatic circumstances when he made his debut against Hungary as a substitute, only to receive a straight red card less than a minute after stepping onto the pitch.
From that turbulent start, he rose to transcend the sport, capturing the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.
He leaves international play as the second-highest goalscorer in World Cup history with 21 goals, trailing France’s Kylian Mbappé, and second for all-time international goals behind Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Though this marks his second permanent departure from the national team—having briefly retired in 2016 following a Copa América final loss to Chile before reversing his decision—insiders confirm this chapter is final.
During his stellar final World Cup campaign, Messi recorded eight goals and four assists, bringing his record-breaking World Cup assist tally to 12.
While his days wearing the iconic blue and white stripes are over, his club career will continue in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami under a contract running through 2028.
Addressing his adoring fans for the final time as a player, Messi offered a parting message of profound gratitude. “Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years,” he concluded. “I’m going to miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, always cheering and supporting 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. It was incredible to have experienced this with you all. I love you!”
