Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final in July.
The 39-year-old forward, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, said the decision to step away from the national team had been painful but was ultimately the right one.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
Messi said he had always given everything for Argentina, insisting that his commitment to the national team extended beyond the period in which the country enjoyed major international success.
“I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too.”
Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, defeating France on penalties in the final.
Four years later, Argentina reached another final in the United States but were beaten 1-0 by Spain at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The defeat came after Messi had played a major role in Argentina’s run to the final, scoring eight goals and providing two assists during the tournament.
The final loss was particularly painful for Messi, who was pictured in tears after receiving his runners-up medal. He later described the defeat as an immense pain that would take a long time to heal.
His decision to retire also comes after the death of his father, Jorge, in August.
Following his father’s death, Messi had expressed uncertainty about continuing to play football for much longer, saying he did not know how to move forward without him.
Despite his retirement from international football, Messi remains under contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, with his deal running until the end of the 2028 season.
Messi leaves the Argentina national team as the country’s most-capped player, having made 207 appearances, while his 125 goals make him Argentina’s all-time leading scorer.
During his 21-year international career, he also won two Copa América titles in addition to the 2022 World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup final marked a disappointing end to Argentina’s latest campaign, with the defeat also followed by disciplinary action against several players involved in clashes with Spanish players after the match.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes and other Argentina players were handed bans and fines following the incidents.
Messi, however, said his decision was also about allowing younger players to take responsibility for the national team.
“I gave everything I had, I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some very talented young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said his love for Argentina would remain despite his decision to step away from international football.
“I love, I loved, and I will always love being on the national team.”
Messi’s retirement brings an end to one of the most decorated international careers in football history, which included a World Cup, two Copa América titles and more than 200 appearances for Argentina.
