The 39-year-old football icon confirmed his decision in an emotional statement shared on social media on August 31, just weeks after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi's decision marks the conclusion of a 21-year international career that saw him experience devastating defeats, intense criticism and, ultimately, unprecedented success with Argentina.
Messi's Emotional Farewell
Messi revealed that he had already written his farewell message two days after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final but took more time before making the decision public.
He described the decision as painful but said he understood that the time had come to step away from the national team.
The defeat in the 2026 World Cup final denied Messi what would have been a fairytale ending to his international career. Argentina had reached the final hoping to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022.
A Record-Breaking Argentina Career
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina's record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer.
He finished his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals, numbers that underline his extraordinary contribution to the team.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to play in six World Cups. His journey with the national team, however, was far from straightforward.
For years, he faced criticism after Argentina suffered repeated heartbreak in major tournaments, including defeat in the 2014 World Cup final and consecutive Copa América final losses.
From Heartbreak To Glory
The turning point came at the 2021 Copa America, when Messi finally won his first major senior international trophy with Argentina.
A year later, he achieved the ultimate prize.
Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, scoring twice in the final against France and eventually lifting the trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Argentina then added another Copa America title in 2024, further cementing Messi's status as one of the country's greatest sporting figures.
His international honours also include Olympic gold in 2008 and the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.
A Final World Cup Appearance
Messi's final international tournament came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina reached the final but lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
Although he could not finish his international career with another World Cup trophy, Messi's legacy had already been secured.
He departs as an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of the most decorated footballers in history.
Messi Is Not Retiring From Football Completely
Messi's announcement concerns international football only. He has not announced his retirement from club football.
The Argentine superstar continues to play for Inter Miami, meaning fans can still expect to see him in club competition.
His retirement from Argentina nevertheless closes a historic chapter for the national team and ends the international career of a player who transformed his relationship with the country from one of disappointment and criticism into one of admiration and celebration.
For Argentina, the era of Messi in the famous No. 10 shirt is finally coming to an end.
Here is the full text of Messi's retirement statement:
After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team.
It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, to my core, but I understand that it’s the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football.
There’s not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I’ve given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.
Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you all from the inside so much. Now I’m going to be just one of you, cheering and supporting you from the sidelines (in good times and bad, even more so).
Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to each and every one of the coaches, teammates, and managers I had the privilege of working with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, along with my teammates, dreamlike moments. It was incredible to have experienced it with you all. I love you!
Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian.
Go Argentina!
**I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my dad, I’m even more convinced than before.
