Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing an end to a remarkable international career that spanned two decades.
The 39 year old confirmed his decision in an emotional statement, explaining that he had been thinking about the decision since Argentina's World Cup final defeat and now believes it is time to close that chapter of his career.
Messi's decision ends one of the most decorated international careers in football history, including a World Cup triumph, Copa América titles and years of carrying Argentina's hopes on the biggest stages.
Messi: “I Don't Have Anything More to Give”
Messi revealed that he wrote his retirement message on July 21, just two days after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
At the time, the possibility of the final being his last appearance for Argentina was already being discussed.
Messi's latest statement now removes that uncertainty.
“I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.”
The decision was not an easy one for the Argentina captain.
Messi admitted that ending his international career still hurts, but he believes the timing is right.
His decision also comes after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month.
Messi said that what happened with his father has made him even more certain about the decision he had already reached after the World Cup final.
From International Struggles to Argentina's Greatest Era
Messi's Argentina career did not begin with the success that eventually defined it.
For years, the forward endured intense criticism whenever Argentina fell short in major tournaments.
He lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and suffered defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals.
Those setbacks eventually gave way to an extraordinary period of success.
Messi helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa América, followed by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He then added another major international trophy with Argentina's 2024 Copa América triumph.
The 2026 World Cup provided another opportunity for Messi to add to that legacy, but Argentina ultimately lost 1-0 to Spain in the final after extra time.
That defeat now marks the final competitive chapter of his Argentina career.
A Different Messi Will Now Watch From the Outside
One of the most emotional parts of Messi's message was his acknowledgement that he will no longer experience Argentina matches from inside the team.
He thanked the supporters who had followed him throughout his 20 years with the national side and said he would now support the team from outside.
That transition represents a significant change for Argentina.
Messi has been the face of the national team for much of his career, wearing the captain's armband and becoming the central figure in the country's most important football moments.
His departure therefore leaves Argentina without the player who has been at the centre of its modern era of success.
Messi Leaves With Pride
Despite the difficult moments, Messi said he leaves the national team with peace and pride.
He thanked his teammates, coaches, directors and family for their roles throughout his international journey, while also acknowledging the emergence of younger players who now deserve their opportunity.
The timing is significant.
Argentina have a new generation coming through, while Messi has already achieved the international honours that once seemed beyond his reach.
His decision therefore represents more than the retirement of one player.
It marks the closing of an era for the Argentina national team.
Messi Is Not Retiring From Professional Football
Importantly, Messi's announcement concerns international football, not his professional club career
He remains an Inter Miami player, and his club career continues. In fact, he scored four goals and supplied an assist in Inter Miami's 7-1 MLS victory over CF Montréal on Sunday, taking his league tally to 18 goals for the season.
So while Argentina will no longer have Messi available, football fans have not yet seen the final competitive matches of his playing career.
The Argentina chapter, however, is now officially closed.
After 20 years, countless unforgettable moments and a trophy cabinet that finally includes the World Cup, Lionel Messi leaves the national team as a champion, a record breaker and one of the defining figures in Argentina's football history.