Lionel Messi retires from international football after 20 years

Lionel Messi has announced his decision to retire from international football, saying he has given his all to Argentina and feels the time has come to end his career with the national team.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 31, 2026, the Argentina captain described the decision as a painful one but said he had become convinced that stepping away was the right choice.

Messi said he had reflected extensively on the decision following the final before reaching his conclusion.

He stressed that he had always given his maximum effort whenever he represented Argentina, including during the challenging years before the team’s recent period of success.

According to Messi, his commitment to the national team was driven by a desire to bring joy to supporters and make Argentines proud.

The 39-year-old acknowledged that his international career was entering its final stage and said he felt he had nothing more left to contribute.

He also pointed to the emergence of a new generation of talented players, saying they deserve opportunities to represent Argentina.

Messi expressed gratitude to Argentine supporters for their unwavering backing throughout his 20-year international career. He said that although he would no longer be part of the team, he would continue to support Argentina from the sidelines.

He also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials who had been part of his journey with the national side, saying he would leave with cherished memories and a sense of pride over what they achieved together.

The veteran forward reaffirmed his love for Argentina and his pride in representing the country, ending his message with a call of support for the national team.

Messi added that he had initially written the statement on July 21, two days after the final, but said a subsequent family development had further strengthened his decision to retire from international football.