Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers in history, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39. The Argentina captain shared the emotional news on social media on Monday, bringing an end to an extraordinary 20-year journey with the national team. The decision was clearly not an easy one for the legendary forward, who admitted that saying goodbye to the national team still hurts deeply.
Messi explained that he had been thinking about retirement since Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He revealed that he actually wrote his farewell message on July 21, just two days after the final. However, the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, made him even more certain that it was time to close this chapter of his career.
For Messi, playing for Argentina was always about more than football. He said he had given everything for the national team and had always wanted to bring happiness and pride to the people of Argentina. Even during the difficult years, when major trophies seemed out of reach, he continued to fight for the famous blue-and-white shirt.
His international career began in 2005. Despite becoming one of the most successful footballers in club football, Messi initially struggled to achieve the same level of success with Argentina. He faced criticism and experienced some of the most painful defeats of his career while playing for his country.
Between 2014 and 2016, Messi and Argentina suffered three heartbreaking final defeats. They lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany before suffering back-to-back Copa América final defeats against Chile in 2015 and 2016.
Those disappointments were extremely difficult for Messi. At one point, he even announced his international retirement before eventually returning to the national team.
Everything changed in 2021 when Messi finally won his first major international trophy with Argentina. He helped his country defeat Brazil in the Copa América final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The victory was a huge emotional moment for Messi and millions of Argentine supporters.
Just one year later, Messi achieved the biggest dream of his career. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 35-year-old forward inspired Argentina to their third World Cup title. Argentina defeated France in one of the most exciting finals in World Cup history, winning on penalties after the match ended level.
Messi’s success with Argentina continued in 2024 when the team successfully defended its Copa América title.
At the 2026 World Cup, Messi once again surprised football fans with his performances. Despite being 39 years old, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner played a major role in Argentina’s run to the final. However, their campaign ended in disappointment when Spain defeated Argentina in the final.
Even though the ending was painful, Messi says he leaves international football with pride. He believes he and his teammates gave Argentine fans unforgettable moments and created memories that will remain for generations.
Messi also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and everyone who supported him throughout his journey. After two decades of representing Argentina, he says he will now watch the national team from the outside and continue to support them through both good and difficult times.
For Messi, the journey may be ending, but the memories will remain forever. From heartbreaking defeats to lifting the World Cup trophy, he experienced almost every emotion football can offer.
He leaves the Argentina national team with pride, gratitude and the feeling that he gave everything he had.
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Go Argentina!”
Messi, 39, will continue to play club football for Inter Miami in the MLS, where he recently delivered a four-goal masterclass against Montreal.
There were speculations in Argentine media that Messi might play Argentina’s next friendly match in September.
But his announcement on Sunday ended one of the most glorious chapters in international football.
With 125 goals from 207 matches, three World Cup final appearances and the fairytale triumph at Qatar 2022, Messi’s place alongside compatriot Diego Maradona and Brazilian Pele in the pantheon of footballing GOATs is firmly secured.