Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina After 21 Years

Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina National Team

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing an extraordinary 21-year international career to an emotional end. 🇦🇷💔

The 39-year-old confirmed his decision on Monday through an emotional message on Instagram, saying that the time had come to step away from the national team.

Messi admitted that the decision was painful but said he believes it is now the right moment.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”

The Argentina captain also insisted that he had always given everything for the national team, including during the difficult years before Argentina's recent run of success.

“I gave everything I had, I don't have anything more to give.”

Messi revealed that he actually wrote the farewell message on July 21, two days after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

He initially kept the message private.

The death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month ultimately strengthened his decision.

“Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced of this decision than before.”

Messi leaves the Argentina national team as one of the most decorated players in international football.

He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup, won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and also lifted the 2022 Finalissima. He departs after more than two decades representing the country at senior level.

His relationship with Argentina was not always easy.

After losing the 2014 World Cup final and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals, Messi briefly announced his international retirement in 2016 before eventually returning.

His return changed everything.

He helped Argentina end a 28-year wait for a major senior trophy at the 2021 Copa América, followed it with the Finalissima, and then delivered the country's long-awaited World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Now, after reaching another World Cup final in 2026, Messi has decided that his international journey is over.

He also thanked his family, coaches, teammates, directors and supporters for accompanying him throughout his career.

“I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team.”

Messi finished his message by saying that he will now support Argentina from outside the pitch.

“Now I'll be one of you, always supporting from the outside.”

The Argentina national team will therefore enter a new era without the player who has worn its shirt for more than 20 years.

Lionel Messi's international chapter is officially over. 🇦🇷❤️‍🩹