Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his long career with the national team.
The 39-year-old confirmed his decision in an Instagram post on Monday, saying he believes it is time to step aside and allow younger players to take his place.
Messi explained that he felt he had “nothing more to give” to the national team and believed the emerging generation deserved an opportunity to represent Argentina.
The announcement came two days after Argentina suffered defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi also revealed that the death of his father earlier this month played a role in strengthening his decision to retire.
Reflecting on his time with Argentina, the football icon insisted that he had always given everything while wearing the national team shirt.
“I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before as well. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football,” Messi wrote.
He acknowledged the emotional difficulty of ending his international career after spending two decades with the team.
“There’s not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I loved, loved, and will always love being on the national team,” he said.
Messi also thanked Argentine supporters for standing by him throughout his international journey and said he would now support the team from outside the pitch.
“Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you all from the inside so much. Now I’m going to be just one of you, cheering and supporting you from the sidelines (in good times and bad, even more so),” he added.
This marks the second time Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina duty. He first stepped away from international football in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa América final to Chile. He subsequently reversed his decision and returned to the national team.
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His career with Argentina eventually reached its greatest heights. Messi captained the side to Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024 before leading the country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 at the age of 18. Over the following two decades, he became one of the country’s most decorated and influential players.
His second retirement now closes another chapter of a remarkable international career, with Messi preparing to watch Argentina’s future generation from the sidelines.