New Delhi: Global football superstar Lionel Messi has retired from international football after playing his final game for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The Argentina captain made the announcement on social media on Monday. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner thanked fans for their support throughout his career with the national team, according to reports.
“After some time has passed since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell you that I am retiring from the national team,” he originally wrote in Spanish.
Messi said the decision had been difficult and continued to weigh heavily on him. However, he felt the time had come to end his international career after giving everything for Argentina.
“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts – deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment. I always gave everything, not only in these last years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
The 39-year-old also said the passing of his father, Jorge, earlier this month had made his decision clearer.
“This one hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being on the national team. I emptied myself; I have nothing more to give and there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here,” he added.
Messi also reflected on the support he received from supporters and his family during more than two decades with Argentina.
“Thank you for all the affection over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey.
“I leave with the peace and pride of having given you – together with my teammates – dream moments. It was crazy to live all of this with you.”
Messi’s international career has been marked by several major successes with Argentina. He captained the team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.
He also helped Argentina win two Copa América titles and the Finalissima. Earlier in his career, Messi was part of the Argentina Under-23 side that won Olympic gold at Beijing 2008.
The forward made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005 at the age of 18. He has since earned more than 200 international appearances and led his country to its third World Cup triumph in 2022.
Messi has scored 125 goals for Argentina. Eight of those goals came during the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will therefore mark Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, bringing his extraordinary international career towards its conclusion.
