Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina After 20-Year International Career

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday via Instagram, concluding a distinguished 20-year career with the national team. The 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner revealed he had actually decided to step away two days after Argentina's 0-1 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in July, but delayed the announcement due to his father's declining health. Jorge Messi passed away in August at age 68 following a long-term illness.

Messi's retirement marks the end of an era for global football, as he stands among the greatest players in the sport's history alongside Diego Maradona and Pele. His decision, combined with the passing of his father and his heartfelt social media message, underscores the emotional toll of professional football at the highest level while highlighting the transition to a new generation of Argentine talent. He will continue playing for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami 145. --- "After so much time since the final, after deep reflection, I want to announce to everyone that I will retire from the national team... This is a decision that breaks my heart, still makes me feel extremely painful, but I understand now is the time," Messi wrote in his Instagram post 23. "I swear to you that I always gave it my all — not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football." The announcement brings closure to what many consider one of the most illustrious international football careers. During his time with La Albiceleste, Messi accumulated 207 appearances and 125 goals across all competitions 145. His goal-scoring prowess was further highlighted during the most recent World Cup, where he surpassed German legend Miroslav Klose's tournament record, ultimately finishing as the second-highest World Cup scorer in history behind France's Kylian Mbappe 14. Messi's national team journey includes the pinnacle of his career — winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was also awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player 15. He had previously led Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final, earning his second Golden Ball award 1. The recent 0-1 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final marked an emotional end to his international career, though his place among the game's greats had long since been secured. In his heartfelt message, Messi expressed his deep love for the national team: "I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of. Experiencing this with you was incredible. I love you all," he added 45. He also acknowledged the emergence of young talent, stating, "Behind me, there are many excellent young players who are growing, and they also deserve this position" 2. Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and has transformed a complicated relationship with the national team into a story of redemption and triumph 5. He departed with the emotional weight of his father's passing influencing his timing, adding another layer of personal significance to his retirement announcement 24.