Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending his 21-year career with Argentina.
Gatekeepers News reports that the 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday in an emotional Instagram post, saying he had reached a point where he had “nothing more to give” and that younger players deserved an opportunity.
Messi said the decision was painful but that he had always given his best for Argentina.
“I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before as well,” he wrote. He added that he had “always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football.”
The retirement comes after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi also said the death of his father earlier this month further convinced him that it was time to step away from the national team.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and leaves international football as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
He won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and an Olympic gold medal in 2008.
This is the second time Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina. He previously stepped away in 2016 before returning to lead the team to major international success.
Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami.
