Lionel Messi will no longer play for Argentina. At 39 years old, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner announced his international retirement this Monday in a long message posted on his social media. A carefully considered decision, which he says he made in the days following the 2026 World Cup final.
A decision made after the final
Messi explains that he wrote his message on July 21, two days after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. La Albiceleste had lost 1-0 after extra time, leaving the Argentine captain without the last trophy he hoped to give his country.
But the player had chosen not to publish his text immediately. The death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8, then reinforced his conviction that it was time to turn the page.
'It's a decision that hurt me and still hurts me deeply, but I understand that it's time.'
Messi believes he gave everything for the Argentine jersey, both during the difficult years and during the golden period that followed. He also mentions the arrival of a new generation and admits he has 'nothing left to give'.
A now legendary story
Having joined the national team in 2005, Messi leaves La Albiceleste with 207 caps and 125 goals, two national records.
His journey was long marked by lost finals and criticism. But the final part of his adventure completely changed his story with Argentina, with several major titles won:
- 2021 Copa América
- 2022 Finalissima
- 2022 World Cup
- 2024 Copa América
- 2008 Olympic gold
After long chasing titles with his national team, the number 10 finally gave Argentina the most prestigious trophies.
'I will continue to support you as a fan'
In his farewell message, Messi thanks his teammates, his coaches, the officials, his family, and above all the Argentine people.
He will no longer wear the Albiceleste jersey, but promises to continue following the national team as a supporter.
A page is thus definitively turning. After carrying Argentina for more than two decades, Lionel Messi leaves the international stage as the national team's all-time top scorer and most capped player.
The final chapter is over. So is the Messi era with Argentina.
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