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Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, the Qatar News Agency reported on August 31, 2026. The Inter Miami forward made the announcement in a statement on his social media accounts following the team’s loss in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. He described it as a painful decision that still hurts but one made after deep reflection, adding that he had given his absolute best to the national team throughout his career.
According to the statement, Messi swore he gave everything for the jersey to make fans happy and proud to be Argentine. The 39-year-old captain led Argentina to triumphs in the 2021 and 2024 Copa America tournaments as well as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His international career ended with a 1-0 extra time defeat to Spain in the July 2026 final.
ESPN data places Messi’s Argentina record at 207 appearances, 125 goals and 60 assists. He featured in a record six World Cups and started a record three World Cup finals, becoming the oldest outfield player to appear in one at 39 years and 25 days, an ESPN assessment found. Messi holds the record for most major tournament goals in men’s football history with 35.
Messi posted that the decision hurts deep in his soul but he understands the time has come as chapters close. “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts – deep in my soul, but I realise that the time has come,” Messi said in the statement. “I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”
Reactions from former teammates poured in praising the forward’s impact on the team and country. “You are immortal. Forever,” several players stated in tributes, according to Sports Illustrated. Leandro Paredes said Messi is the greatest of them all while Cristian Romero expressed eternal gratitude.
Messi will not retire from club football and is expected to continue playing for Inter Miami in MLS, Sporting News reported. His departure from the international scene marks the end of an era for Argentine football after he repaired a once complicated relationship with the national team, a Reuters report noted. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves as a defining figure in his nation’s sporting history.
