Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a storied 20-year career with Argentina. The 39-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, made the decision following his side’s narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Reflecting on his departure, Messi shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram, noting that the decision was reached after significant contemplation. “After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team,” he wrote. He acknowledged the emotional weight of the choice, adding, “It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come.”
Messi’s international journey began in 2005 when he made his senior debut at age 18. Over the course of his career, he earned 207 caps for his country—the second-highest total for any male international footballer—and scored 125 goals. His tenure was marked by both immense heartbreak and historic triumphs, including leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and securing titles in the 2021 and 2024 Copa America tournaments.
The veteran star revealed that he had initially decided to step away just two days after the July 19 final against Spain. However, the process was complicated by the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, in August at the age of 68 following a long illness. Messi admitted that the personal tragedy made it difficult to continue, stating he “did not know how to carry on” during such a period of immense pain.
In his farewell message, Messi expressed gratitude to his supporters and family, noting, “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you—alongside my team-mates—moments we once only dreamed of.” The Argentina national team honored his legacy on social media, posting, “Eternal thanks, Leo. We’ll love you until the end of our days.” The report also notes that perhaps the greatest player of all time, Messi had been hoping to lead his side to back-to-back tournament triumphs but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in extra time. The report also notes that the second most by any men’s international footballer, scoring 125 times across a career that spanned more than two decades, the 39-year-old made 207 appearances for his country. The report also notes that messi’s crowning moment with Argentina came in 2022 when he captained his country to their third World Cup following a dramatic victory over France in Qatar. The report also notes that having made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005 at the age of 18, Messi also led Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final where they lost to Germany in extra time in Brazil. The report also notes that aged 29, after he suffered a fourth consecutive major final loss with his country following defeat to Chile in the Copa America final, messi previously retired from Argentina in 2016. The report also notes that however, and finally won a major senior title with Argentina at the 2021 Copa America, which was followed by the World Cup and then another Copa America in 2024, messi returned. The report also notes that messi ended his long quest to win the World Cup in 2022 (Getty Images). The report also notes that lionel Messi celebrates with team-mates after Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt at World Cup 2026 (Getty Images).
Upcoming Football Fixtures
- Breiðablik vs Stjarnan vs Stjarnan: 00:45
- Hessen Kassel vs Eintracht Trier: Tomorrow 22:30
- KR vs VÃkingur ReykjavÃk: Tomorrow 23:00
- WAC vs LASK: Tomorrow 23:00
- HEBC vs Borussia Dortmund: 02/09/2026 00:15
- Inter Miami CF II vs NYCFC II: 02/09/2026 05:00
- Atlético Mineiro vs Cruzeiro: 02/09/2026 05:30
- Austria Vienna vs WSG Tirol: 02/09/2026 22:00
- RB Salzburg vs Rapid Vienna: 03/09/2026 00:00
- VfL Osnabrück vs Bayern Munich: 03/09/2026 00:15
- Vitória vs Vasco da Gama: 03/09/2026 06:00
- Santos vs Palmeiras: 03/09/2026 06:00
