Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, seven weeks after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in the United States. The 39-year-old forward, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, led the national team to World Cup glory in 2022 and two Copa América titles.
Messi confirmed his decision in an Instagram post on Monday, sharing notes he had written on 21 July, two days after the World Cup final. He said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in early August made him “more convinced than before” about ending his international career.
Messi had been visibly emotional throughout the tournament and had previously revealed that his father was receiving medical treatment during the knockout stages.
Addressing Argentina supporters, Messi said the decision “hurts my soul” but acknowledged that he knew “it is time”. He added that he had always given everything for the national team and fought to make Argentinians proud.
