BUENOS AIRES, August 31, 2026: Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to an extraordinary career with the national team spanning more than two decades.
Messi made the announcement on Monday through his social media accounts, confirming that he will no longer represent Argentina.
The decision comes after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, which denied Messi the chance to finish his international career with another World Cup triumph. Argentina lost the final in extra time in New Jersey.
In his emotional statement, Messi revealed that he had actually written his retirement message on July 21, just two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
He said the decision was painful but that he understood the time had come to close the chapter.
Messi also said the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, further strengthened his decision. Jorge died on August 8.
Messi explained that he had given everything to Argentina throughout his career and believed it was now time for a new generation of players to take the national team forward.
Messi finishes his international career as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country.
His Argentina career began in 2005 and included six FIFA World Cup appearances. His greatest achievement came in Qatar in 2022, when he finally lifted the World Cup trophy after Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final.
He also guided Argentina to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, completing a remarkable period of success with the national team.
Messi’s final international tournament ended with Argentina reaching the World Cup final for the second consecutive time.
The 39-year-old remained influential throughout the tournament, scoring eight goals as Argentina progressed to the final. However, Spain ultimately secured the trophy with a 1-0 extra-time victory.
The defeat meant Messi ended his World Cup career as a champion from 2022 and a runner-up in both 2014 and 2026.
In his farewell message, Messi described the decision as one that still hurts deeply but said he understands that it is the right moment.
He reflected on his commitment to Argentina, saying he had always fought for the national-team shirt and wanted to give supporters reasons to feel proud.
Messi also pointed toward Argentina’s emerging generation, saying there are talented young players who deserve their opportunity with the national team.
Importantly, Messi has not announced his retirement from professional club football.
He continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, with his current contract running through 2028.
His retirement announcement therefore marks the end of his Argentina career — not necessarily the end of Lionel Messi’s career as a professional footballer.
For Argentina, however, the announcement closes one of the greatest chapters in the country’s football history: a career that began with questions and criticism but ultimately produced a World Cup triumph, two Copa América titles, 125 international goals and a legacy that places Messi among the greatest players the game has ever seen.
