Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his remarkable career with the national team to an end at the age of 39.
Messi confirmed the decision on Monday in an emotional statement shared on Instagram, saying he had spent considerable time reflecting on his future after Argentina’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi wrote.
The announcement comes weeks after Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in New York/New Jersey. The result denied the defending champions a second consecutive World Cup title.
Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, leaves the international stage after more than two decades of representing his country. During that period, he became one of the most decorated players in Argentina’s history, eventually leading the team to the 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América triumphs.
His latest World Cup campaign further added to his extraordinary record. At 39, Messi became the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup final and extended his record for World Cup appearances to 34. He also finished the 2026 tournament with eight goals and four assists.
Argentina’s defeat to Spain in July had already raised questions about whether Messi would continue with the national team. However, he did not announce his retirement immediately after the final and instead took time to consider his future.
In his farewell message, Messi reflected on his long relationship with the Argentina shirt and acknowledged that a new generation of players was emerging.
He thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials who had been part of his international career, as well as supporters who stood by him throughout his journey.
Messi’s decision ends one of the most significant eras in Argentine football. His international career included periods of disappointment before eventually producing the major trophies that had eluded him for much of his early career.
Although he has retired from international football, the decision does not mean retirement from professional football. Messi remains a club player with Inter Miami, meaning he can continue his career at club level.
For Argentina, the challenge now is to begin the transition into the post-Messi era while maintaining the competitive standards established during his time as captain.
DailyInsightNG reports that Messi’s announcement marks the latest chapter in the career of a player who has spent more than 20 years at the centre of Argentina’s football story.