Lionel Messi has officially closed the door on his international career with Argentina.
The 39-year-old football icon announced his retirement from the national team on Monday, ending more than two decades of representing his country. His final appearance came in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina lost to Spain.
For Argentina, it marks the end of an era that produced some of the most memorable moments in the country’s football history.
Messi makes his decision public
Messi shared his retirement announcement through a handwritten message posted on Instagram.
The Argentine captain explained that he had already been thinking seriously about retirement after the World Cup final. The recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, also played a role in reinforcing his decision.
Rather than waiting for another tournament, Messi believes the time is right to step away and allow younger players to take responsibility for the national team.
He thanked the supporters, his teammates, coaches and everyone who accompanied him throughout his international journey.
From heartbreak to World Cup glory
Messi’s Argentina career was not always filled with celebrations.
For years, he faced the disappointment of losing major finals. Argentina reached the 2014 World Cup final but were beaten by Germany, while Messi also experienced painful defeats in the Copa América finals.
He even announced his international retirement in 2016 after another Copa América final loss.
But Messi eventually returned, and the story changed completely.
Argentina won the 2021 Copa América, giving Messi his first major senior international trophy with the country.
A year later, he achieved the biggest prize of all.
The night Messi became a world champion
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Messi led Argentina through one of the most memorable tournaments of his career.
Argentina eventually defeated France on penalties in a dramatic final, with Messi scoring twice during the match.
The victory ended Argentina’s 36-year wait for a World Cup title and gave Messi the trophy that had been missing from his career.
Argentina later won another Copa América title in 2024, further strengthening Messi’s international legacy.
Messi leaves with remarkable numbers
Messi finishes his Argentina career as the country’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer.
He made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for the national team. He also played at six World Cups, including the 2026 tournament.
His international honours include:
- 2022 FIFA World Cup
- 2021 Copa América
- 2024 Copa América
- 207 Argentina appearances
- 125 international goals
- Six FIFA World Cup appearances
These numbers put Messi firmly among the greatest players in international football history.
His final World Cup ended in disappointment
Messi’s final international match came against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Argentina had the opportunity to win back-to-back World Cups, but Spain secured a 1-0 victory in extra time.
Although the ending was not the fairytale Messi and Argentina supporters wanted, his achievements with the national team had already secured his place in Argentine football history.
Messi’s father influenced his final decision
Messi’s announcement came shortly after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month.
The loss had a major emotional impact on the footballer. Messi had previously admitted that his future in football was something he had been thinking about, and his father’s death made him even more certain about stepping away from international duty.
What comes next for Messi?
Retiring from Argentina does not necessarily mean the end of Messi’s football career.
The forward continues to play club football with Inter Miami, meaning fans can still expect to see him on the pitch at club level.
However, Argentina will now have to prepare for life without the player who has been the face of its national team for more than 20 years.
Messi’s international journey began in 2005 and ends with a World Cup trophy, two Copa América titles, hundreds of unforgettable moments and a record that may take generations to break.
The Argentina No. 10 is leaving the national team, but his legacy is staying behind.
