By Kwame Bediako
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 20-year career with Argentina. The 39-year-old captain made the decision after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, saying it was “the right moment” to step away.
Emotional statement: “I have nothing more to give”
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Messi said the choice “hurt and still hurts deep inside”, but that he had given everything he could for the national team. “I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give,” he wrote.
Passing of his father sealed the decision
Messi revealed he originally drafted the statement on 21 July, two days after the final, but only published it after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on 8 August. “Today, after what happened to my dad, I’m even more convinced than before,” he said.
Legacy: 207 caps, 125 goals, two finals in a row
Messi leaves as Argentina’s most-capped player and record goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals. He led the Albiceleste to back-to-back World Cup finals, winning in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2026, while also delivering the 2021 Copa América and 2022 Finalissima.
“Now I’m just one of you”
He thanked fans, family, coaches and teammates, saying he would now support Argentina “from the sidelines” as “one of you”. “I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of,” Messi added.
