BUENOS AIRES : Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after an illustrious career with Argentina that brought him two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup.
The Inter Miami forward, 39, said in a statement on social media that he had decided to end his international career after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi described the decision as painful but said he believed the timing was right after deep reflection.
“I gave the national team everything I had,” Messi said, adding that his commitment extended beyond the team’s recent run of success.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, endured several setbacks with Argentina before finally ending the country’s 28-year wait for a major international trophy at the 2021 Copa America.
He then helped Argentina retain the Copa America title in 2024 before leading them to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, completing a remarkable international career.
His final major tournament ended in disappointment as Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi also won numerous domestic and European honours during his club career, most notably with Barcelona, where he became the club’s record goalscorer and won four Champions League titles.
His departure marks the end of an era for Argentina, who will have to begin life without the captain who has been central to their success for more than a decade.
