Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing an end to a storied international career. The superstar shared his decision via an Instagram statement, noting that the choice followed significant reflection after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team,” Messi wrote. He acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, stating that while it remains painful, he feels the time has come to step aside. He expressed pride in having always given his absolute best for the jersey, aiming to bring joy and national pride to his fellow Argentines.
Messi’s international tenure is defined by a collection of major honors, including the 2022 World Cup trophy and two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. His trophy cabinet with the national side also features runners-up medals from the 2014 and 2026 World Cups, as well as the 2007, 2015, and 2016 Copa América tournaments. His individual excellence was frequently recognized, earning him the Golden Ball as the top player in the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, along with the same honor in the 2015 and 2021 Copa América.
The path to these achievements was not always seamless. For years, Messi faced intense pressure from fans as the team struggled to secure major titles. This created a complex dynamic for the forward, who had moved to Spain as a child to pursue his career with Barcelona. However, as the team began to secure victories, his relationship with the supporters transformed, and he expressed deep gratitude for their backing, especially during the 2026 World Cup run in North America. “I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside,” he added.
The decision to retire was compounded by recent personal tragedy. Earlier this month, Messi experienced the loss of his father, Jorge Messi, who served as his agent and a central figure throughout his professional journey. Jorge was present for every major milestone, from his early days at Barcelona to his stints at PSG and Inter Miami, and the 2022 World Cup victory. Following his father’s passing, Messi had publicly questioned his future in the sport, noting that the loss solidified his feeling that his time with the national team had reached its natural conclusion.
Messi revealed that he had originally drafted his retirement statement on July 21, just two days after the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. The heartbreak of that loss, combined with his personal grief, marked a difficult period for the icon. Despite the challenges, he expressed appreciation for his teammates, coaches, and officials, stating he would carry forward unforgettable memories.
“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey—so beautiful, yet so difficult,” he shared. He concluded his message with a final tribute to his heritage: “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you—alongside my teammates—moments we once only dreamed of. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.” The report also notes that particularly during this last run in North America during the 2026 World Cup, he thanked them in his statement for the love they showed. The report also notes that “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. The report also notes that but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”, i swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything. The report also notes that messi is coming off arguably the hardest few weeks of his career. The report also notes that messi was understandably broken by the news and took some time away to grieve.
