LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM ARGENTINA DUTY AFTER 21-YEAR INTERNATIONAL CAREER

The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward confirmed the decision in an Instagram post, stating he wrote the message on July 21, two days after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. He said the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8 made him “even more convinced” of the choice. “It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote. “I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give.”

Messi finished with 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, records for the national team. His final match was the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He scored 21 goals across six World Cups, including eight in the 2026 tournament, and provided dozens of assists during his career.

He made his senior debut on August 17, 2005, against Hungary, receiving a red card less than a minute after entering as a substitute. Despite the difficult start, he went on to captain Argentina to major titles later in his career: the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the 2024 Copa América.



Messi’s international path included earlier setbacks, such as losses in the 2014 World Cup final and multiple Copa América finals, before the successful period that began in 2021. He also won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005 and Olympic gold in 2008 with Argentina’s youth sides.

In his statement, Messi thanked fans and teammates, saying he leaves “with the satisfaction and the pride of having, along with my teammates, giving you moments we dreamed about.” He added that younger players deserve opportunities in the national team. Messi will continue playing at club level with Inter Miami, where his contract runs through the 2028 season.

The announcement closes a chapter that saw him transform from a highly talented but trophy-less figure for Argentina into a World Cup-winning captain. Reactions from former teammates, coaches and fans highlighted both the achievements and the emotional weight of the decision following the recent World Cup final and personal loss.

No farewell match has been announced. Argentina’s football association and head coach Lionel Scaloni had not issued detailed public responses by early Tuesday. Messi’s retirement leaves the national team to build toward future competitions without its longtime leader and record holder.