Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina International Football
Lionel Messi has decided to stop playing for Argentina’s national soccer team.
He said the decision was very painful, but he believes it is the right time.
Messi explained that he had given everything he could to the team.
He also said younger players deserve a chance to play.
He thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for supporting him.
Messi said his father’s death made him more certain about retiring.
He will continue playing club soccer for Inter Miami.
Fans are sad because they think it will be very difficult to replace a player like him.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team after more than two decades of international service.
The 39-year-old said the decision was painful but that he had given everything and had nothing more to give.
Messi said he wrote his farewell statement two days after the 2026 World Cup final and later published it on Instagram.
He said his father Jorge Messi’s death strengthened his conviction to retire from international football.
Messi leaves Argentina with 125 goals in 207 appearances, while fans and football figures mourned the end of an era.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina’s longtime captain and forward, announced the decision.
- What
- He announced his retirement from international football and Argentina’s national team.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday; Messi said he wrote the statement two days after the 2026 World Cup final.
- Where
- He announced it in a lengthy handwritten statement posted on Instagram.
- Why
- Messi said the decision was painful, that he had nothing more to give, and that younger players deserved opportunities; he also said his father’s death reinforced his decision.
Messi’s Decision
Fan Reaction
Retirement timing
Messi’s Decision
Messi said the choice hurt deeply but that it was the right moment because he had emptied himself and had nothing more to give.
Fan Reaction
Fans expressed disbelief, heartbreak, and reluctance to accept the end of his Argentina career.
Making room for younger players
Messi’s Decision
Messi said talented young players were coming through and deserved places in the national team.
Fan Reaction
Supporters praised the next generation but feared Argentina would struggle to replace Messi’s goals, passes, leadership, and worldwide appeal.
His legacy
Messi’s Decision
Messi said he left with peace and pride after helping create unforgettable moments with his teammates.
Fan Reaction
Fans, teammates, officials, and football figures described him as one of the greatest players ever and said his legacy would endure.
- Age
- 39
- International appearances
- 207 for Argentina
- International goals
- 125, including 21 at World Cups
- International career
- More than 20 years, commonly described as 21 years
- Major titles
- 2021 Copa America, 2022 World Cup, and 2024 Copa America
- World Cup appearances
- Six
- Club future
- Messi is expected to continue playing for Inter Miami
- Retirement statement
- Written two days after the 2026 World Cup final and posted on Instagram
Sources
Argentina great Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football
Lionel Messi retires: Full text of Argentina great’s farewell statement
‘I emptied myself’ — Lionel Messi says goodbye to Argentina after 21 years
Final whistle blown. The artist retires: Lionel Messi says goodbye to Argentina
Lionel Messi announces retirement; fans struggle to accept: ‘Poetic ending to his GOAT career’
