Lionel Messi has retired from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 20 year career with Argentina.
The 39 year old confirmed his decision on Monday. His final appearance came against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Argentina lost the final 1 0 after extra time. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
Messi said leaving the national team was one of the hardest decisions of his career.
“Now that some time has passed since the final, having thought it over carefully, I want to tell you all that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi said.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, deep in my soul, but I realise that the time has come.”
Messi originally wrote his retirement message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. He later added that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, made him even more certain about his decision.
Jorge died on August 8 at the age of 68.
Messi said earlier this month that he was unsure how much longer he wanted to continue playing.
The Inter Miami forward leaves Argentina as their record appearance holder and goalscorer. He played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.
“I always fought hard and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” Messi said.
“I’ve given my all. I’ve nothing left to give, and besides, there are some brilliant young players coming through who deserve their place.”
Messi played at six World Cups. He led Argentina to the title in Qatar in 2022 after they beat France in the final.
He also reached the World Cup final in 2014, when Argentina lost to Germany.
His final World Cup ended with another runners up finish. Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists at the 2026 tournament. He finished behind France captain Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race and won the Silver Ball.
Messi also became the leading scorer in World Cup history during the tournament before Mbappe later passed him.
Beyond the World Cup, Messi helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. He had captained his country since 2011.
His success with Argentina also helped him win a record eighth Ballon d’Or.
Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates, officials and Argentina supporters in his farewell message.
“Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you all from the pitch so much,” he said.
“Now I’ll be just one of you, always cheering you on and supporting you from the sidelines.”
Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami. He remains under contract with the MLS side for another two years.
His Argentina journey, however, is over.
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine,” Messi said. “Come on, Argentina!”
