Argentina football icon Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the greatest careers in the history of the national team.
The 39-year-old forward confirmed his decision in an emotional statement released on Monday, saying he believes the time has come for younger players to take greater responsibility for the Argentina national team.
Messi’s retirement closes a remarkable 20-year international journey that saw him become Argentina’s most decorated modern-era player and lead the country to major international success.
Messi reflects on difficult decision
The former Barcelona star said stepping away from international football was not an easy decision but expressed confidence that it was the right moment.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” Messi said.
He added that the decision was painful but necessary as time was no longer on his side.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” he said.
A career filled with historic achievements
Messi’s international career featured three appearances in World Cup finals, with his greatest achievement coming at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he guided Argentina to their third world title.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also helped Argentina win back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima) in 2022.
During his time with the national team, Messi recorded:
- 207 appearances
- 125 goals
- 68 assists
His numbers made him Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the most influential players ever to represent a country.
Messi thanks Argentina supporters
In his farewell message, Messi expressed gratitude to Argentine fans, coaches, teammates and everyone who supported him throughout his career.
“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside,” he said.
He also thanked his family and the many people who contributed to his journey with the national team.
The football superstar said he leaves international football with pride, knowing he and his teammates created unforgettable memories for Argentina supporters.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of,” Messi said.
End of an era for Argentina
Messi’s departure marks the end of a historic chapter for Argentina football.
After years of near misses and disappointment with the national team, he eventually achieved the ultimate prize by winning the World Cup in Qatar, adding to his legacy as one of football’s greatest players.
The Argentina national team will now begin a new era without the player who carried the hopes of millions of supporters for two decades.
Background Information
Lionel Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and became the face of Argentine football for a generation.
Despite early criticism after several major tournament defeats, Messi eventually delivered Argentina’s long-awaited World Cup success in Qatar in 2022.
His career transformed from one of international disappointment into one of the greatest redemption stories in football history
