FORT LAUDERDALE — Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team Monday, ending a 21-year international career in which the 39-year-old amassed 125 goals, 68 assists and 207 appearances — all Argentina records.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote on social media. “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.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s final appearance with La Albiceleste came in the 2026 World Cup final, a 1-0 loss to Spain. Messi posted 8 goals and 4 assists across eight games in the tournament, guiding Argentina to their second consecutive World Cup final. He is the only player in history to start three World Cup finals — 2014, 2022 and 2026 — and the only player to win two World Cup Golden Ball awards, in 2014 and 2022.
Messi reached his greatest heights with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he tallied 7 goals and 3 assists to lead the country to its third title in a legendary final win over France. He also won two Copa Américas, in 2021 and 2024, and reached the 2014 World Cup final.
The announcement carried an additional layer of grief. Messi revealed he originally wrote his farewell statement on July 21, two days after the final, but the subsequent death of his father, Jorge Messi, deepened his resolve. “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before,” he wrote.
“I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here,” Messi wrote. “Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much.”
Messi’s retirement from international duty does not affect his club career. The most decorated player in soccer history remains under contract with Inter Miami CF, where he has played since 2023. He addressed his supporters one final time in his statement: “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!”