Inter Miami and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39 after leading Argentina to this summer’s World Cup final.
The announcement comes less than a month after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died earlier in August.
In an emotional post on Monday via social media, the Argentina legend stated that the decision was painful but that he had reached a point where he believed it was time to step away from the national team.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down but I understand that the time has come,” Messi said.
Reflecting on his 20-year journey with the national team, Messi said he had always given everything for the Argentine jersey, insisting that his commitment extended beyond the period in which he and his teammates finally delivered major international trophies.
“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,” he noted.
Messi said he was leaving the national team with “peace of mind and pride” after sharing unforgettable moments with his teammates and helping Argentina achieve successes that once appeared out of reach.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of,” he added.
Despite retiring from international football, Messi’s club career is expected to continue with Inter Miami.
The Inter Miami forward made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the country’s record appearance holder, earning 207 caps and scoring 125 goals.
His international honours include the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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