Lionel Messi retires from international football after 20 years with Argentina

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 20-year career with Argentina.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Monday, August 31, 2026, the 39-year-old said he had been reflecting since the World Cup final in July and had decided the time was right to step away.

"After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I'm retiring from the national team," Messi said.

"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment."

Messi said he always gave everything for the Argentina shirt, both during the recent years of success and during the difficult years before.

"I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football," he said.

The Inter Miami forward said different chapters of his career are closing and he has nothing more to give to the national team, adding that it is time for younger players to come through.

"There isn't much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I gave everything I had, and I don't have anything more to give. Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here," he said.

Messi thanked fans for their support over two decades, saying he will now support the team from outside.

"Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I'll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones."

He also thanked his family, teammates, coaches and staff, saying he leaves with unforgettable memories.

"I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of."

Messi, who made his senior debut in 2005, retires as Argentina's record appearance maker with 207 caps and record scorer with 125 goals. He led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and to World Cup finals in 2014 and 2026, where Argentina lost to Spain.