Lionel Messi on Monday announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 20-year Argentina career that included a World Cup triumph, two Copa América titles and a record 207 appearances for his country.
The 39-year-old confirmed the decision in a statement posted on his official Instagram account, saying he had been considering retirement since Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
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The recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, further convinced him that it was time to step away.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and experienced both difficult setbacks and historic triumphs during his international career. He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and helped the team win two Copa América crowns.
The 39-year-old featured in the 2014 and 2026 World Cup finals, with Argentina finishing runners-up on both occasions.
Messi said the decision had been painful because of his deep emotional connection with the national team and its supporters. He pointed to the emergence of a new generation of players who deserve opportunities with Argentina.
Messi said he had written his retirement message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but his father’s death later made him even more certain about ending his international career.
Lionel Messi thanked supporters for backing him throughout his two-decade international career. He said he would now support the national team from outside the stadium.
Messi paid tribute to his family, coaches, teammates and officials who supported him throughout his career. He said he was leaving with pride over the achievements Argentina had produced together.
Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028. His retirement closes a celebrated international chapter that began in 2005 and ultimately delivered the World Cup triumph that had long been his greatest ambition.
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