Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday via Instagram [1, 2, 3].
The departure of the Inter Miami forward marks the end of an era for one of the most decorated players in soccer history. His exit leaves a void in the Argentine squad as they transition toward a new generation of talent.
Messi said "the time has come" in his announcement [4]. He said the decision was one that "hurts my soul," adding that he gave all he had to give [2, 3, 4].
The announcement follows the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina suffered a 0-1 loss to Spain in the final [6]. Messi, now 39, participated in six World Cups throughout his tenure [5].
Over a career that spanned 21 years, Messi became a cornerstone of the national team [1]. He earned 207 international caps and scored 125 goals for Argentina [1].
While Messi is stepping away from international duties, he remains active as a forward for Inter Miami in the U.S. [1].
“"The time has come."”
Messi's retirement signals a definitive shift for the Argentina national team, which has relied on his playmaking and scoring for over two decades. By retiring after the 2026 World Cup, Messi closes a chapter that included six tournament appearances and a record-setting goal tally. The team must now redefine its tactical identity without its primary offensive catalyst.
