One of the greatest footballers in history, Lionel Messi, has officially confirmed that he is bringing his illustrious and trophy-laden international career to an end. The legendary Argentina captain, now 39, played his final game for the national team in the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina suffered defeat to Spain.
Over more than two decades representing Argentina, Messi made a record 191 appearances and scored 112 goals, becoming synonymous with his country’s success. With the national team, he won all the major trophies: the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, two Copa America titles (2021 and 2024), the 2022 Finalissima, and an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. After the dust had settled following the World Cup, the legendary Argentine issued an emotional statement on Instagram
After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team …It was a decision that hurt and still hurts to my core, but I understand that it’s the right time. I swear I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football” he started his post.
Messi then continued explaining that he gave it all and couldn’t continue anymore.“There’s not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being on the national team. I’ve given it my all; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.
Thank you for all the love these past 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you all from the inside so much. Now I’ll be one of you, cheering and supporting you from the outside (through thick and thin, even more so)” he wrote.
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Eventually, he finished his post with a part about family, revealing that the death of his father just quickened up the process.“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to each of the coaches, teammates, and managers I had the pleasure of working with . I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, along with my teammates, some dreamlike moments. It was incredible to have experienced it with you all. I love you! Thank God for making me Argentinian!”*I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final . Today, after what happened to my dad, I am more convinced than before.