Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup finals, bringing an extraordinary chapter of his career with the national team to an end.
The 39-year-old Argentina captain confirmed his decision on Monday, saying it was one of the most difficult choices he had ever made but that he believed the time was right to step away.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi said in an Instagram post.
The legendary forward insisted that he had always given everything for Argentina, including during the difficult years before the team’s remarkable run of success.
“I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he added.
A Glorious Argentina Career
Messi finally achieved World Cup glory with Argentina at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he inspired his country to victory over France in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Argentina then reached another World Cup final in 2026, but their hopes of defending the title ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Despite the setback, Messi leaves the international stage having delivered one of the greatest careers ever seen in football.
His decision also comes shortly after the death of his father, Jorge, in August. Messi had previously admitted that the loss had left him questioning whether he wanted to continue playing football for much longer.
“I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer,” he had said.
What Next for Messi?
Although his international career is now over, Messi’s club career is set to continue.
The Argentine superstar remains under contract with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer until the end of the 2028 season.
For Argentina, however, the departure of their iconic captain marks the end of an era — one defined by heartbreak, redemption, trophies and ultimately World Cup glory.
