Last Updated:
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football. He captained Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi has retired from international football. (Picture Credit: AP)
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Messi’s final appearance for his country was the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1-0. In an emotional statement, Messi said he had decided to retire two days after the final and his father Jorge’s passing only made him ‘even more convinced of this decision’ than before.
A legend of club football, Messi was the face, pride, and hope of Argentina since his debut on August 17, 2005, in a friendly match against Hungary at the age of 18. He captained the national team to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he also won his second Golden Ball.
He secured back-to-back Copa América championships in 2021 and 2024, alongside the 2022 Finalissima trophy against Italy. He also won the Olympic Gold Medal at the 2008 Beijing Games and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Overall in 207 appearances, he scored 125 goals and assisted 65 more.
Messi will continue to play for Inter Miami.
Messi’s full statement on retirement
“I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final… today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before”.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.
“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.
“Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.
“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.
“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!
“Thank you God for making me Argentine.
“Vamos Argentina!
Quick Answers
Ask News18Yes, Lionel Messi will continue to play for Inter Miami. His contract with the Major League Soccer club extends until the end of the 2028 season.
Ask News18August 31, 2026, 20:48 IST
Read More
