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Messi Retires From Argentina After Two Decades of Glory
Lionel Messi has decided to stop playing for Argentina’s national football team.
He announced the decision in an Instagram message.
Argentina recently lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
Messi said retiring was very painful because he loves playing for his country.
He felt he had given everything he could and wanted younger players to get chances.
Messi played for Argentina for about 20 years.
He won the 2022 World Cup and several other trophies with the team.
He will continue playing club football for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team on Instagram Monday.
The decision followed Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi said the choice was painful, but he believed he had nothing more to give and that younger players deserved opportunities.
He leaves Argentina as its most-capped player and leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
His major honors include the 2022 World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima, and 2008 Olympic gold.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina’s captain and record international goalscorer.
- What
- He announced his retirement from Argentina’s national football team.
- Where
- The announcement was posted on Instagram; Argentina lost the final in New Jersey.
- When
- Monday; articles say he wrote the statement two days after the 2026 World Cup final, with most identifying the date as July 21.
- Why
- Messi said the decision was painful but that the time was right, he had nothing more to give, and emerging players deserved opportunities. He also said his father’s death strengthened his decision.
Key facts
- Argentina appearances
- 207, a national record
- Argentina goals
- 125, a national record
- International career
- Approximately 20 years, beginning with his senior debut in 2005
- World Cup achievement
- Won the 2022 tournament with Argentina and reached the 2026 final
- Copa América titles
- 2021 and 2024
- Other honors
- 2022 Finalissima and 2008 Olympic gold medal
- Club future
- Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami
- Previous retirement
- He briefly retired from international football after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa América final, then returned
Quotes
Lionel Scaloni
Argentina national team coach
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear I always gave everything — not just during the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
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“There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give. Besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve their opportunity.”
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Sources
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina, Says 'I Have Nothing More To Give'
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