Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, stepping away from his beloved Albiceleste after 20 long years.
Messi, 39, was most recently part of the Argentina national team that played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Going into the tournament as the captain, Leo had a World Cup to remember, scoring eight goals and assisting four, leading his team into the final, where they ended up losing 1-0 to Spain.
Lionel Messi Retires From International Football
As it turns out, that final defeat to Spain will be Lionel Messi’s last game in Argentina colours. He took to social media earlier today to post a note in his native Spanish. In the post, he announced that he will be retiring from international football.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time.”
“I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he wrote.
Lionel also wrote that he gave everything he had to Argentina and its football for the past 20 years, stating
“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.
While thanking his friends and family, the GOAT had this to say –
Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”
A major reason behind his retirement from international football now might be the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month, who passed away at the age of 68 after long medical complications.
Messi’s father had a major role to play in his life, from being one of his first football coaches to moving with him to Barcelona when Leo was just 13 to being his manager for much of his career.
The legendary footballer, after his father’s departure, stated that he did not have the legs to go on anymore. And that, in some way, is being reflected in his retirement from international football.
Finally, Lionel Messi finished off his announcement by claiming that he is leaving international football with peace and pride, knowing that he gave it all on the field.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!”
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!”
Messi retires from international football as the second-highest goal scorer in the history of the sport, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances. He also has the most assists ever in international football with 65.
He also ends his career with an Olympic gold medal, two Copa América titles, and a FIFA World Cup trophy win with Argentina. He is also the second-highest goal scorer in World Cup history
Retirement from the international game does not mean that the last chapter of Lionel Messi’s football career has been written. He will continue to play club football for Inter Miami in the MLS, where he has a contract that does not run out before the end of the 2027-28 season.
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