Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing his 20-year Argentina career to an end after the 2026 World Cup final, while he remains active with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Messi Confirms Argentina Retirement
Messi announced the decision on Instagram on Monday, August 31, 2026, saying the choice was painful but that he believes the time has come to step away from the national team.
“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote.
He said he had always given everything for Argentina, including during the years before the team began winning major international trophies.
Messi added that new young players deserve opportunities with the national team and said he had given everything he had to the shirt.
World Cup Final Was His Last Game
Messi’s final appearance for Argentina came in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain on July 19.
Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time, ending Messi’s hopes of finishing his international career with another World Cup title. He had captained Argentina throughout the tournament and scored eight goals.
Messi said he had actually written his farewell message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. The death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8 further strengthened his decision.
A Record-Breaking Argentina Career
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
His international honours include the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. He also won Olympic gold with Argentina’s Under-23 side in 2008.
He represented Argentina at a record six World Cups, reaching the final in 2014 and 2026 and winning the tournament in Qatar in 2022.
The retirement closes a chapter that included years of disappointment before Messi finally lifted major senior international trophies with Argentina.
Messi Will Continue With Inter Miami
The retirement is from international football and does not mean Messi is ending his playing career.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains under contract with Inter Miami and will continue playing in MLS. He recently scored four goals in Inter Miami’s 7-1 victory over CF Montréal.
Messi’s departure has been warmly acknowledged in Argentina, with the Argentine Football Association praising his legacy and professionalism after the announcement.
