Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his Argentina career to an end after more than two decades representing his country.
The 39-year-old captain, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, confirmed the decision in a statement posted on Instagram on Monday, 31 August 2026.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come,” Messi said.
He added that he had given everything to the national team and now had “nothing left to give”.
Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
His final World Cup campaign ended with Argentina finishing runners-up to Spain in the 2026 final, according to the Argentine Football Association.
