Lionel Messi has decided to bring his international career with Argentina to an end at the age of 39.
The Argentina captain announced his retirement from international football on Monday through an emotional social media post, closing a remarkable chapter that saw him become the country’s most successful player and finally deliver the trophies that had long been missing from his career.
Messi’s decision follows Argentina’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they suffered defeat against Spain.
Messi says the decision was difficult
In his message to supporters, Messi admitted that walking away from Argentina was not an easy decision.
The Inter Miami forward said he had thought carefully about his future before deciding that it was time to make room for the next generation of Argentine players.
He also expressed his gratitude to the supporters who had followed him throughout his international career.
Messi said he will now watch Argentina’s matches from outside the team and continue supporting the national side.
A remarkable international career
Messi finishes his Argentina career with numbers that underline his importance to the national team.
The legendary forward made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for Argentina. He is both the country’s most-capped player and its leading international goalscorer.
His international journey began more than two decades ago and eventually turned into one of the greatest careers in football history.
Messi also became the highest-scoring men’s player in South American international football.
World Cup glory finally arrived
For much of his career, Messi faced criticism for not winning a major trophy with Argentina.
That narrative changed dramatically in 2021 when Argentina won the Copa América.
A year later came the biggest achievement of his career. Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, ending the country’s 36-year wait for another World Cup.
Argentina added another Copa América championship in 2024, giving Messi three major international trophies during a golden period for the national team.
Six World Cups and one final chapter
Messi appeared at six World Cups during his international career.
He played in the 2026 tournament as Argentina attempted to defend their title and eventually reached the final. Spain, however, ended Argentina’s hopes of lifting the trophy again.
Despite the final defeat, Messi’s place in Argentina’s football history was already firmly established.
His World Cup journey included the heartbreak of the 2014 final loss to Germany before eventually reaching the top of world football in Qatar eight years later.
Messi’s father also mentioned in retirement message
The announcement came weeks after the death of Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on August 8 at the age of 68.
Messi added a personal note to his retirement statement, explaining that the loss had made him even more certain about his decision.
His father played an important role throughout Messi’s life and career, making the timing of the announcement particularly emotional.
Messi previously retired from international football
Messi has walked away from international football once before.
After Argentina lost the 2016 Copa América final to Chile, Messi announced his retirement following another painful defeat in a major final.
He later changed his mind and returned to the national team.
That comeback ultimately led to the most successful period of his international career, including the 2021 Copa América triumph, the 2022 World Cup victory and the 2024 Copa América title.
A new era begins for Argentina
Messi’s departure leaves Argentina without the player who has been at the heart of its national team for more than 20 years.
The country now faces the challenge of moving forward without its captain and record goalscorer.
For Messi, however, the timing is very different from 2016. He leaves after winning the biggest prizes available and establishing himself as one of the greatest players Argentina has ever produced.
His final international record tells the story: 207 appearances, 125 goals, a World Cup title and two Copa América championships.
The Messi era with Argentina is officially over, but his legacy is likely to remain part of the national team’s identity for generations.
