Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year career with the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old forward made the announcement after earning a record 207 caps for Argentina, having represented the country since his senior international debut in 2005.
Messi leaves the national team as a World Cup winner and two-time Copa América champion. He lifted the World Cup trophy with Argentina in Qatar in 2022 after finishing runner-up in 2014.
He was also part of the Argentina side that finished as runners-up at the 2026 World Cup final against Spain in July.
Explaining his decision, Messi said the choice was painful but acknowledged that the time had come to close the chapter.
“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come,” he said.
The Inter Miami forward said he had always given everything for Argentina, regardless of the team’s fortunes at different stages of his international career.
“I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he added.
Messi said the emergence of a new generation of talented Argentine players also influenced his decision to step aside.
“Time is fleeting, chapters come to an end, and this is one that deeply affects me. I love, have loved, and will always cherish being part of the national team,” he said.
“I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to offer, and moreover, there are some exceptional young players emerging who deserve this opportunity.”
The Argentine captain also revealed that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month had caused him to reconsider how much longer he could continue playing international football.
Reflecting on Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain, Messi admitted that his physical condition had become a major concern.
“My legs could no longer continue,” he said, adding that he had tried to push himself beyond his physical limits during the match but could not do so.
Messi’s international career was marked by both prolonged disappointment and extraordinary success.
After several near misses with Argentina, he eventually led the country to Copa América glory before securing the biggest prize in international football at the 2022 World Cup.
His decision marks the end of an era for Argentina, with the national team now facing the challenge of moving on without the player who has been its central figure for more than two decades.
Despite his international retirement, Messi is not retiring from professional football.
He remains contracted to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami until 2028.
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