Lionel Messi Retires From International Football At 39

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending his long career with the Argentina national team after more than 20 years.

The 39-year-old made the announcement in an emotional post on Instagram, saying he had spent time thinking about his future after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Messi said leaving the national team was a difficult decision, but he felt the time was right to step away.

“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote.

The Inter Miami forward said he had always given his best for Argentina, both during the team’s successful years and throughout the difficult period before it began winning major trophies.

“I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football,” he said.

Messi also said the emergence of talented young players influenced his decision, adding that the next generation deserves opportunities to represent the country.

“I gave everything I had, and I have nothing more left to give. Besides, there are some very talented young players coming through who deserve their opportunity,” he wrote.

Messi revealed that he had written his retirement message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final.

However, the death of his father, Jorge Messi, later strengthened his decision.

“Today, after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than ever,” he wrote

Jorge, who was Messi’s father and longtime representative, died at the age of 68 on August 8 in Rosario following a prolonged illness.

Messi had previously spoken about how his father’s death affected him and raised questions about whether he would continue playing for Argentina.

In his farewell message, Messi thanked Argentine fans for their support throughout his two decades with the national team.

The 39-year-old said he would now follow the team and cheer for them from outside the pitch.

“Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside, through the good times and, even more so, through the bad,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates and officials who were part of his international career, saying he was leaving with many memorable moments.

“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of knowing that, together with my teammates, we gave you moments you could only dream of,” Messi wrote.

Lionel Messi’s time with Argentina included years of criticism and disappointment before he eventually helped the team achieve major success.

He won the Copa América in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

His final major tournament with Argentina ended with the team’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Despite the defeat, Messi leaves behind a remarkable international legacy.

His journey with Argentina saw him go from a player frequently criticised for not winning a major international trophy to the captain who finally led the country to World Cup glory.

Messi ended his farewell by reaffirming his love for Argentina and thanking God for making him Argentine.

“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina,” he wrote.

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