Argentina great Lionel Messi on Monday announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the most celebrated careers in the history of the game after more than two decades in the famous blue-and-white shirt. The 39-year-old confirmed his decision in an emotional social media post, weeks after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi said the decision continued to hurt him deeply but acknowledged that the moment had arrived to bring his international journey to an end. He leaves after making a record 207 appearances for Argentina and scoring 125 goals.
Final ends with heartbreak
Messi’s final appearance for Argentina came in the World Cup final against Spain in New York, where La Albiceleste’s attempt to retain the title they won in Qatar four years earlier ended in a narrow defeat. Argentina had reached their second successive World Cup final, with Messi once again playing a central role in their campaign.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he had given everything he could to the national team throughout his career and believed a new generation of players deserved the opportunity to carry Argentina forward. He thanked supporters for their affection over the past two decades and said he would now follow the national side as a fan.
Messi revealed that he had originally written his retirement message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but delayed making it public. The death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month further strengthened his conviction that it was time to step away from international football.
From heartbreak to ultimate glory
Messi made his senior Argentina debut as an 18-year-old in 2005 and endured years of disappointment before finally lifting major international trophies. He suffered defeat in the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and also experienced painful losses in Copa America finals, briefly announcing his international retirement after Argentina’s defeat to Chile in 2016 before reversing the decision.
His fortunes with Argentina changed dramatically later in his career. Messi captained the country to the 2021 Copa America title, ending Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major international trophy, before lifting the Finalissima against Italy in 2022.
The defining moment arrived later that year in Qatar, where Messi inspired Argentina to their third World Cup crown after a dramatic final against France. The triumph completed the biggest remaining achievement of his career and cemented his place alongside Diego Maradona among Argentina’s greatest sporting icons.
Messi subsequently helped Argentina retain the Copa America in 2024 before returning for one final attempt at World Cup glory in 2026. Although Argentina fell one victory short of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy, Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists.
His retirement closes a 21-year international journey spanning five World Cup finals tournaments, two Copa America triumphs and countless records. Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, but for Argentina, an extraordinary chapter has finally come to an end.