Lionel Messi has retired from international football at the age of 39.
The Argentina captain announced his decision on Instagram on Monday, August 31, 2026.
“This hurts me a lot,” Messi said while confirming the end of his international career.
His announcement came seven weeks after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi said he prepared his retirement message shortly after the final. The recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, later strengthened his decision to step away.
He ends his Argentina career as the country’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer.
Messi played 207 senior matches and scored 125 goals for Argentina after making his debut in 2005.
He represented his country at six World Cups and made a record 34 appearances in the competition.
His greatest international achievement came in 2022 when he captained Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar.
Messi also helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and successfully defend the title in 2024.
His journey with the national team included several painful defeats.
Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final and the Copa América finals in 2015 and 2016.
Messi announced his international retirement after the 2016 defeat to Chile. However, he later changed his decision and returned to the team.
His return eventually brought the international trophies that had been missing from his career.
The 2026 World Cup gave Messi one final opportunity to win the trophy. Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain.
Messi thanked his family, teammates, coaches and Argentina supporters for standing by him throughout his career.
He said younger players are ready to take responsibility for the national team.
The Argentine Football Association also thanked Messi for his service and the memories he created.
His international retirement does not end his playing career.
Messi will continue representing Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He recently extended his contract with the club until 2028.
