Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old posted an emotional video on Instagram on Monday, showing his appearances and journey over the years for Argentina, to make the announcement.
He said the decision “hurt” but the “time has come” and that he has “nothing left to give” on the international stage.
Messi won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America’s titles during his sensational career with the South American giants.
The most famous moment for him in the iconic No. 10 jersey was leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, as they won the trophy for the first time in over 36 years.
Messi also pulled off so many wonderful moments during the 2026 World Cup this summer as Argentina defied belief to reach the final.
But they lost in extra time in the final to Spain, with Messi in tears, as they missed out on becoming just the third men’s team in history to win back-to-back titles.
That defeat in the final to Spain in New Jersey on July 19, 2026 turned out to be Messi’s final game in an Argentina shirt.
He scored 125 goals in 207 games for Argentina and played for them at six World Cups.
Where does Messi rank all-time in the international game?
Alongside his compatriot Diego Maradona and Brazil’s Pele, Messi will go down as among the top three international players in all history.
The likes of Eusebio, Cristiano Ronaldo, Franz Beckenbauer, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario and Johan Cruyff will all be mentioned as being right up there too.
But for many Messi is the greatest, even if he struggled for success with Argentina for well over a decade before the trophies finally arrived.
He delivered moments of magic on the international stage that the world will never forget.
Lionel Messi Argentina international retirement statement in full
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team...
“It was a decision that hurt-and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all-not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.
“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad - especially the bad).
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey-so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you-alongside my teammates-moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!”
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!
"*I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”
