Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, saying the death of his father has left him more convinced than ever that it is time to bring his international career to an end.
The Argentina captain revealed his decision in an emotional statement, saying he had been thinking about retirement since the country’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19.
Messi said the decision had caused him deep pain but insisted he felt the time had come to step away from the national team.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment,” Messi said.
The 39-year-old stressed that he had always given everything for Argentina, not only during the period in which he and his teammates finally ended the country’s long wait for major international silverware.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates the team’s second goal by Lautaro Martinez #22 during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
“I swear I always gave everything, not just the last few years when everything was won, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, for giving them joy and making them proud to be Argentinians through football.”
Messi said the emergence of a new generation of Argentine players also influenced his decision to retire.
“There are very great young players coming up who deserve to be here,” he said.
The forward also reflected on two decades with the national team and thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials who shared his journey.
“Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing from you from the inside a lot. Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside.”
Messi revealed that he had originally written the statement on July 21, just two days after the World Cup final, but had delayed making the announcement.
“These words I wrote on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my dad, I am more convinced than before,” he added.
Lionel Messi in game. Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
Messi leaves behind the most decorated international career in Argentina’s history.
He helped Argentina win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while also leading the country to the 2026 World Cup final.
He is Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and assist provider and has established himself as one of the country’s greatest sporting icons.
His retirement brings the curtain down on a remarkable 20-year international journey that began with Argentina’s senior team in 2005.
After years of heartbreak and criticism, Messi ultimately delivered the major international trophies Argentina had long craved.
Now, following the death of his father and another painful World Cup final defeat, the legendary forward says the time has come to say goodbye to the national team.
“Thank you God for making me Argentine. Go Argentina!”
