Lionel Messi Retires From International Football

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary Argentina career to an emotional end.

The Argentina legend, who shared the decision in an Instagram post on Monday, finishes his international journey with 125 goals and 68 assists from 207 appearances. His 21-year career reached its highest point in 2022, when he led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and scored a hat-trick in the final.

Messi also lifted the Copa America twice, in 2021 and 2024. Those victories helped Argentina end a 28-year wait for a major international trophy.

“After this time that has passed since the final, after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team…,” the Inter Miami forward began.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts to my core, but I understand that it’s the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not only in the last few years when we won everything, but also before, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentinian through football.

“There’s not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I’ve given everything; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.

“Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian,” he signed off.

This marks the second time Messi retirement has been announced. He first stepped away in 2016 after Argentina lost three straight finals, but later returned. His latest Argentina career decision came two days after the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain. He said his father Jorge Messi’s passing also helped bring clarity to the decision.

Will Messi retirement mark the beginning of a new era for Argentina?