Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to an extraordinary career with the Argentina national team that lasted more than two decades.
Messi confirmed the decision on Monday, August 31, 2026, through an emotional statement. He explained that the decision was painful but that, after considerable reflection, he believed the time had come to close his chapter with the national team.
The announcement follows Argentina’s appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where the team lost 1–0 to Spain after extra time. The match became Messi’s final appearance for Argentina.
Messi says he has given everything
One of the major reasons behind Messi’s decision is his belief that he has reached the end of what he can contribute to the national team.
In his farewell message, Messi emphasized that he had consistently given his best for Argentina throughout his international career. He said he had fought for the national team for many years and had always wanted to make Argentine supporters proud.
Messi also acknowledged that football careers eventually reach their final chapters. At 39, he indicated that he felt the time had come to step aside rather than continue indefinitely.
Another important factor is the emergence of a new generation of Argentine footballers. Messi recognized that younger players are coming through and deserve opportunities to establish themselves with the national team.
The death of his father
Messi’s decision also came during a deeply emotional period in his personal life following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier in August.
The loss reportedly caused Messi to reflect more seriously on his future in football. He had already been considering his international future following the World Cup final, but the death of his father reinforced those thoughts.
Messi had previously acknowledged that he had doubts about how much longer he would continue playing football, making the decision to leave the national team understandable in the context of both his age and personal circumstances.
A remarkable international career
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the country’s most-capped player and leading international goalscorer.
He finished his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, figures that place him among the most successful international footballers in history.
His relationship with the Argentina national team was not always easy. Messi experienced major disappointments early in his career, including defeats in important finals. However, he eventually transformed his international legacy.
He helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021, the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and another Copa América title in 2024. He also led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final before the defeat to Spain.
The World Cup that completed his legacy
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar represented one of the defining moments of Messi’s career.
After years of criticism and disappointment with Argentina, Messi finally lifted the World Cup trophy after Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final decided by penalties.
Four years later, Messi returned to the World Cup at the age of 39 and helped Argentina reach another final. Although Argentina ultimately lost to Spain, reaching consecutive World Cup finals added another significant achievement to his international record.
Retirement from Argentina, not football altogether
Messi’s announcement does not mean that he is retiring from professional football altogether.
He remains a player for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he continues his club career. His retirement specifically concerns his international career with Argentina. His contract with Inter Miami runs through the 2028 season.
An emotional farewell
Although Messi is leaving the Argentina national team, his message made clear that his connection with the country will remain strong.
He expressed deep affection for the national team and pride in everything achieved with his teammates. He also indicated that he would leave with peace and pride after helping Argentina reach heights that had once seemed difficult to achieve.
Messi’s retirement therefore marks the end of one of the most influential international careers in modern football. His journey with Argentina included years of disappointment, eventual redemption, major trophies, individual records and a World Cup triumph.
At the end of the journey, Messi leaves Argentina as its most-capped player and leading goalscorer, a World Cup winner and one of the central figures in the country’s football history.