Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 20-year career with Argentina. The 39-year-old forward made the announcement on Monday, August 31, 2026, in a statement posted to his Instagram account.
Messi said he wrote the statement on July 21, two days after Argentina's World Cup final. His final match for the national team was the World Cup final against Spain on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Argentina lost 1-0.
The defeat denied him a second World Cup title after captaining Argentina to victory in 2022 and to the final in 2014. He retires as Argentina's record appearance holder and top scorer with 125 goals in 207 games. His international honors include the 2022 World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and two World Cup runner-up medals.
In his statement, Messi said the decision was painful but that the time had come. "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down but I understand that the time has come," he wrote. He said he had given everything for the shirt to make Argentines proud and noted that younger players deserve their chance.
Messi added that the recent death of his father and agent, Jorge Messi, in early August confirmed his decision, which he had been considering since the final. He thanked fans, family, coaches and teammates, saying he leaves with peace and pride and will now support the team from the outside.