Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, ending a historic career with Argentina at the age of 39.
In an Instagram post featuring a handwritten note in Spanish, Messi said he had decided to step away from the national team after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team,” he wrote.
“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come. I swear that I always gave it my all.”
In a footnote, Messi revealed that he had written the message on July 21, two days after the final, and said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8 had strengthened his decision.
Messi represented Argentina at six World Cups and captained the country to victory in Qatar in 2022, ending its 36-year wait for the trophy. He also helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
The Argentina captain retires as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, having netted 125 goals in 207 appearances. He is also the highest-scoring male player in South American international football history.
Messi previously announced his international retirement in 2016 following three consecutive defeats in major finals but reversed the decision soon afterwards. He later led Argentina to two Copa América titles and the World Cup crown.
