Lionel Messi Announces His International Retirement from Argentina
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, around a month and a half after the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, ending a 21-year international career that yielded a World Cup and two Copa América titles.
Argentina star Lionel Messi officially announced on Instagram on Monday that he is retiring from international football with the Albiceleste, roughly a month and a half after the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain (0-1) in New York, which turned out to be his final official appearance for the national team.
An emotional farewell
Messi, 39, wrote in his message: "Some time has passed since the final, and after much reflection, I want to announce to all that I'm retiring with the national team. It's a decision that still hurts deeply, but I understand it's the moment." He added: "I don't have much time left, the stages keep coming and this one hurts me in particular. I love, have loved, and will always love the national team. I gave everything, I have nothing left to give, and there are very good young players coming through who deserve their place." He concluded: "I leave with the serenity and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments of a dream. It was incredible to live all this with you. I love you! Thank God for making me Argentine."
A remarkable international career
Messi closes a 21-year chapter with numbers that place him at the top of Argentina's national team history on every measure: 207 caps, 125 goals and 65 assists, all national records. He ends his international career with the 2026 World Cup title (2022 edition), won on penalties against France, plus two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024) and Olympic gold in 2008.
Earlier reports had suggested Argentina was planning an official farewell match on home soil before his eventual retirement, but the player ultimately chose to announce the end of his international career directly, making the 2026 World Cup final against Spain his last official match with the national team.
Key takeaways
- Messi announced his international retirement from Argentina on Instagram, about a month and a half after the 2026 World Cup final defeat.
- He leaves the national team with records of 207 caps, 125 goals and 65 assists.
- With Argentina, he won the 2026 World Cup (2022), two Copa América titles (2021, 2024) and 2008 Olympic gold.
