Lionel Messi has drawn the curtains on one of the most storied international football careers, announcing on Monday his retirement from the Argentine national team at age 39. This decision concludes a 21-year journey that ended with a World Cup 2026 final loss to Spain.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, shared on Instagram: "It's been some time since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I'm retiring from the national team."
He added, "This is a decision that still pains me deeply, but I know it is the right time."
The Argentine captain emphasized his commitment throughout his career: "I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but even before that, I always fought and gave everything I had for this jersey."
Messi originally penned his retirement message on July 21, just two days after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium near New York.
It remained unpublished at the time, as Messi later faced personal heartbreak with the passing of his father and agent, Jorge Messi, which affirmed his belief that it was time to close the chapter with the national team.
His announcement garnered over four million likes in just two hours, with farewell and praise messages pouring in from teammates, football organizations, and fans alike.
From Retirement in 2016 to Glory in Qatar
This isn't Messi's first attempt to leave the Argentine team.
In 2016, following a defeat in the Copa America final, he announced his retirement under the weight of repeated final losses, only to reverse his decision and return to lead Argentina again.
This comeback marked the start of the most successful chapter in his international career, ending years of waiting by leading his country to titles, culminating in the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar against France on penalties.
Messi also claimed two Copa America titles, transforming years of frustration and criticism into a historic era for the national team.
With 207 caps and 125 goals, Messi departs as Argentina's most-capped player and all-time top scorer.
Spanning his international career from 2005 to 2026, he transcended generations of players and coaches, becoming the team’s ultimate leader and icon.
Even in the 2026 World Cup, Messi remained a crucial figure for Argentina, netting eight goals and providing two assists on their path to the final.
However, their hopes of retaining the cup were crushed by Spain on July 19, when Argentina lost 1-0 in the final after extra time.
Images captured Messi in tears post-match and during the medal ceremony, marking his last World Cup moment.
"I Have Nothing More to Give"
In his farewell message, Messi stated it’s time for a new generation to take charge.
He wrote, "I've loved, love, and will always love being with the national team. I've given everything I have, and now I have nothing left to give, besides that, there are very talented young players coming up behind me who deserve to be here."
Mid-August, Messi hinted at his nearing departure, especially following his father Jorge's death at 68, admitting he no longer envisions playing for much longer.
Despite his international retirement, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where his contract extends to the end of the 2028 season.
"You Are Immortal"
Social media soon became a platform to bid farewell to the Argentine captain.
Rodrigo De Paul, his teammate at national level and Inter Miami, wrote: "Just thank you, the greatest in history. Thank you for giving us so much joy, you can't imagine how many smiles you've painted. You are immortal."
Angel Di Maria, who has shared the pitch with Messi for many years and played alongside him at Paris Saint-Germain, wrote: "We'll forever be grateful for being Argentine, for raising Argentina to the top of the world. Thank you, captain, for everything. The greatest ever."
The Argentine Football Association and South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) bid farewell to Messi with posts celebrating his career and legacy.
Messi concluded his farewell message with touching words to Argentine fans: "I leave with peace and pride, having given you, alongside my teammates, moments to dream. It’s been incredible living all of this with you. I love you. Thank God for making me Argentine."
Thus ends a journey that began in 2005 wearing the Argentine jersey, evolving through years of criticism, lost finals, retirement, and its reversal, finally reaching global glory in Qatar before concluding in tears at the 2026 World Cup final.