Football icon Lionel Messi has retired from international duty at 39, ending a celebrated two-decade run with Argentina’s national team.
Messi announced his decision Monday through an Instagram post featuring a handwritten note in Spanish, weeks after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team,” Messi wrote.
“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come,” he added, saying he had always given everything for the national team jersey.
Reflecting on his two decades with Argentina, Messi said: “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.”
“I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give,” he wrote.
The announcement came shortly after the death of Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, who died on August 8 at age 68 in Rosario, Argentina.
Messi revealed in a footnote that he had written the message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final.
“Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before,” he wrote.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
In his farewell message, Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates, officials and supporters who accompanied him throughout his international career.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of,” Messi wrote.
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!”
