Argentine star Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football with the Argentina national team in an emotional message addressed to fans after a period of reflection following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi and his Argentine national team lost the 2026 World Cup title to the Spanish national team by a goal to nil.
Messi retires from international football
The Argentine star posted an emotional message on his personal Instagram account, confirming his retirement from international football along with heartfelt words to the Argentine fans.
Messi said in his message: "After all this time that has passed since the final and after long contemplation, I want to inform everyone that I am retiring from playing for the national team."
He added: "It was a painful decision and it still pains me deep in my soul, but I realize that the time has come. I swear that I always gave everything I had, not only in recent years when we achieved everything, but before that as well. I always fought and offered all I possessed for this jersey to bring you joy and to make you feel proud to be Argentine through football."
Messi continued: "Not much remains, and life stages begin to end; this is one of the most painful stages for me. I loved, I love, and I will always love representing the national team. I have exhausted everything I have and no longer have anything more to give. Moreover, there are wonderful players coming who deserve to take their place."
He went on: "Thank you for all the love you have given me throughout these twenty years. I will greatly miss hearing your cheers while I am on the field. Now, I will be one of you, cheering for and supporting the national team always from the outside, in good times and bad, indeed even more during difficult times."
He added: "Thank you to my family because they were always by my side and accompanied me on this beautiful yet difficult journey. Thank you to all the coaches, my fellow players, and the administrators with whom I had the honor of working. I will cherish the unforgettable memories and moments I lived with them."
Messi further stated: "I depart reassured and proud that, together with my teammates, we granted you moments that were like dreams. It was insane to experience all of that with you. I love you all... Thank God for making me Argentine... Go Argentina!"
Messi concluded his message: "I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final match, and today, after what happened to my father, I have become more convinced of my decision than ever before."
It is worth noting that Messi participated in a total of 207 matches with the Argentina national team, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists during them.
Messi won four titles with the Argentina national team: the 2022 World Cup, the Copa America twice (2020-2021 and 2023-2024), and the 2022 Finalissima.
