Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing to a close a 20-year international career that redefined what was possible for a footballer wearing the Albiceleste.
In an emotional statement shared publicly, Messi said he wrote the words on July 21, two days after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, but chose to release them later following a personal family matter involving his father that he said made him more certain than ever about his decision. “After this time that has passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to inform everyone that I am retiring from the National Team,” he wrote.
The farewell was personal and unguarded. Messi did not reach for records or trophies to justify the decision. He reached for something simpler. Emptiness. “I swear I always gave everything, not just the last few years when everything was won,” he wrote. “I emptied myself. I no longer have anything more to give.” He acknowledged a new generation of players ready to take over, saying they deserved their opportunity.
Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, while also reaching a second consecutive World Cup final in 2026. Over six World Cups, he racked up a combined 21 goals and eight assists for Argentina. At the 2026 tournament, he scored eight goals and provided assists, finishing as one of the tournament’s top scorers.
He thanked his family, his coaches, his teammates and the Argentine people for two decades of love and support, and signed off with words that captured both his gratitude and his grief. “There are very great young players coming up who deserve to be here. Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside. Thank you God for making me Argentine.”
