Messi announces international retirement after twenty years with Argentina

Lionel Messi announced his international retirement on July 21, two days after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain (0-1, a.e.t.) in New York. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made his decision public on Instagram, more than a month after the Albiceleste’s loss.

“After all this time since the final, after thinking about it a lot, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the national team,” wrote the number 10, who wore the Argentina shirt since 2005. A twenty-year international career, crowned by two Copa America titles (2021, 2024) and especially the World Cup won in Qatar in 2022.

In an emotionally charged message, Messi acknowledged that the decision was painful: “It is a decision that has hurt me and still hurts me deeply in my soul, but I feel the moment has come.” He stressed his total commitment, far beyond the years of glory: “I have always fought and given everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and to make you proud to be Argentine through football.”

The question of succession was at the heart of his choice. “I have emptied myself, I have nothing left to give and, moreover, very great young players are coming behind me, who deserve to be there,” he explained. He thanked his family, his coaches, his teammates and the officials who marked this journey, before concluding: “I leave with the serenity and pride of having offered you, with my teammates, moments we had dreamed of.”

Messi noted that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died on August 7 at the age of 68, reinforced his decision: “After what happened to my father, I am even more convinced than before.” At 39, he will continue to play for Inter Miami in MLS.