Lionel Messi Retires From International Football

By Thetripurapost Desk, Buenos Aires
Sep 01, 2026
154

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an extraordinary 21-year career with the Argentina national team to an end.

The Argentina captain revealed his decision on Monday through an emotional handwritten message shared on social media. FIFA also confirmed Messi's retirement from the national team following his final appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

Messi had written the farewell message on July 21, two days after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He later decided to make the message public following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August.

Messi Says the Time Has Come to Leave Argentina

In his farewell message, Messi acknowledged that ending his international career was an extremely difficult decision. However, he said he had reached a point where he felt there was nothing more he could give to the national team.

The Argentine superstar also reflected on his long association with the country's famous blue-and-white shirt. He said representing Argentina had always been a source of immense pride and that he had consistently tried to give everything on the field for the supporters.

Messi indicated that the emergence of a younger generation of Argentine footballers was another reason to step aside and allow them to establish themselves in the national team.

Father's Death Deepened Messi's Decision

The death of Jorge Messi had a profound impact on the football icon's thinking about his future with Argentina.

Messi had previously acknowledged uncertainty over whether he could continue playing international football for much longer following his father's death. His farewell message made clear that the personal loss strengthened his belief that the time had arrived to close this chapter.

His final international appearance came against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina's attempt to retain the world title ended with a 1-0 defeat after extra time.

Messi Thanks Argentina Fans, Family and Teammates

In his farewell, Messi expressed gratitude to supporters who had followed his international career for more than two decades.

He also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials who accompanied him throughout his Argentina journey. Messi described the experience as a combination of unforgettable victories, painful defeats and extraordinary memories.

Rather than disappearing from Argentine football, Messi said he would now support the national team from outside the pitch, standing behind the players during both successful and difficult periods.

Messi's Historic Argentina Career

Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its record appearance holder and all-time leading goalscorer. According to Reuters, he finished his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals.

His Argentina career began in 2005 and eventually included six FIFA World Cup appearances.

The biggest achievement came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when Messi captained Argentina to the world championship. Argentina defeated France on penalties in a dramatic final, securing the country's first World Cup title since 1986.

Messi also helped Argentina win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, transforming his international legacy after years of disappointment with the national team.

Messi's Final Chapter With Argentina

Although the 2026 World Cup ended in disappointment against Spain, Messi leaves international football having achieved virtually everything with Argentina.

From early criticism and heartbreaking defeats to Copa América glory and World Cup triumph, his international career became one of the defining stories in modern football.

Messi's retirement from Argentina does not mean he has retired from professional football altogether. He remains involved in club football with Inter Miami.

After more than two decades in Argentina colours, Lionel Messi's international journey has finally reached its final chapter.

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