Lionel Messi retires from international football

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending a glittering career with Argentina that included the 2022 World Cup triumph and a runners-up finish at this summer’s tournament.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward confirmed the decision in an Instagram post on Monday, roughly six weeks after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down,  but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote. “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.”

Messi said he first drafted the statement on July 21, two days after the final, but delayed the public announcement following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month. “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before,” he added.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner earned 207 caps for Argentina and scored more than 120 international goals. He made his debut in 2005 and captained the side to World Cup glory in Qatar, as well as Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. His final appearance came in the World Cup final loss to Spain.

Messi will continue playing club football with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.