Messi announced his decision on Monday, August 31, 2026, through his social media platforms, informing football fans that he was stepping away from international football after 21 years with Argentina.
In an emotional message, Messi said the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want everyone to know that I am retiring from the national team,” he said.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come.”
Messi said he had always given everything for Argentina, not only during the successful years when the team won major trophies but throughout his entire international career.
“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 proud to be Argentine through football,” he said.
Although he has retired from playing for the national team, Messi said his love for Argentina will remain and that he will continue supporting the team in other ways.
Messi revealed that he wrote his farewell message on July 21, 2026, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. His decision was later reinforced by personal circumstances, including the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier in August.
During his 21-year international career, Messi made 207 appearances for Argentina, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists. He leaves as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and one of its most capped players.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup that same year. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 Finalissima.
Widely regarded by many football fans as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Messi also built an extraordinary club career with FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
His achievements at club and international level helped him win a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Although his chapter with Argentina’s national team has now come to an end, Messi is expected to continue playing club football with Inter Miami, bringing the curtain down only on one of the greatest international careers in football history.
