Messi Retires From International Football After Argentina’s World Cup Final Defeat
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The Argentina captain confirmed his decision in an emotional handwritten letter shared on social media, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 20-year career with the national team.
Messi disclosed that he had written the letter on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but delayed publishing it following the deterioration in his father Jorge Messi’s health and his eventual death on August 8.
In the heartfelt message, the 39-year-old admitted that walking away from Argentina duty was a painful decision but said he understood that the time had come to close the chapter.
“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner stressed that he had always given everything for the Argentina shirt, regardless of whether the team was enjoying success or going through difficult periods.
“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,” he said.
Messi also thanked his family, teammates, coaches and officials who supported him throughout his international journey.
“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,” he added.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
His greatest achievement with the national team came in 2022 when he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. He also helped the Albiceleste win two Copa América titles.
The legendary forward had previously announced his retirement from international football after Argentina’s defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa América final, only to reverse the decision and return to the national team.
His comeback ultimately ushered in the most successful period in Argentina’s modern football history, culminating in Copa América triumphs and the 2022 World Cup title.
Although Messi has ended his international career, there is no indication that he intends to retire from club football.
The veteran forward remains with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami and recently scored four goals in the club’s 7-1 victory over CF Montréal.
Messi’s retirement brings an end to one of the most decorated international careers in football history, closing a remarkable chapter that saw him evolve from a teenage prodigy into Argentina’s greatest goalscorer and one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.
The Argentina captain confirmed his decision in an emotional handwritten letter shared on social media, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 20-year career with the national team.
Messi disclosed that he had written the letter on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but delayed publishing it following the deterioration in his father Jorge Messi’s health and his eventual death on August 8.
In the heartfelt message, the 39-year-old admitted that walking away from Argentina duty was a painful decision but said he understood that the time had come to close the chapter.
“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner stressed that he had always given everything for the Argentina shirt, regardless of whether the team was enjoying success or going through difficult periods.
“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,” he said.
Messi also thanked his family, teammates, coaches and officials who supported him throughout his international journey.
“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,” he added.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
His greatest achievement with the national team came in 2022 when he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. He also helped the Albiceleste win two Copa América titles.
The legendary forward had previously announced his retirement from international football after Argentina’s defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa América final, only to reverse the decision and return to the national team.
His comeback ultimately ushered in the most successful period in Argentina’s modern football history, culminating in Copa América triumphs and the 2022 World Cup title.
Although Messi has ended his international career, there is no indication that he intends to retire from club football.
The veteran forward remains with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami and recently scored four goals in the club’s 7-1 victory over CF Montréal.
Messi’s retirement brings an end to one of the most decorated international careers in football history, closing a remarkable chapter that saw him evolve from a teenage prodigy into Argentina’s greatest goalscorer and one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.
