Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday via a video posted to Instagram.
The departure of the 39-year-old [1] marks the end of one of the most decorated careers in sports history. Messi leaves as Argentina's most capped player and all-time leading goalscorer [1].
Messi said he has decided to retire from international football [3]. He said the decision "hurt" but that "the time has come" [2]. He said the choice "hurts me a lot" [3].
The announcement follows a two-decade international career. The timing comes after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final [4]. This loss prevents the squad from securing back-to-back titles after their 2022 victory [3].
Throughout his tenure, Messi became the face of Argentine football. He led the nation to a World Cup title in 2022 [3], cementing his legacy on the global stage. His retirement concludes a period of dominance for the national team that spanned several generations of players.
Messi's influence extended beyond goals and trophies. He served as the captain and primary playmaker for the squad for years—a role that defined Argentina's tactical approach in major tournaments.
While Messi is stepping away from international duties, the announcement specifically pertains to the Argentina national team. He did not specify his plans for club football in the video.
“"I have decided to retire from international football."”
Messi's retirement forces Argentina into a transition period as they seek a new focal point for their attack. Having relied on his playmaking and leadership for 20 years, the national team must now integrate younger talent to fill the void left by their most successful player before the next tournament cycle.
