Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a storied 20-year career with Argentina after a series of personal and professional milestones. The decision comes shortly after the World Cup final loss and the passing of his father.
The Farewell Announcement
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, ending a 20-year career with the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old forward, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, made the decision two days after Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19. Messi confirmed his departure in an Instagram post, stating it was a decision that "hurt" but "the time has come." He cited his father’s death on August 8 as a factor in his decision, writing that he wrote his retirement message on July 21 but delayed its release due to his father’s health issues.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Messi leaves as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances, including 21 World Cup goals. He won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scoring seven goals in the tournament and two in the final against France, and secured two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. His international career began in 2006, and he played in a record-tying six World Cups. Messi also thanked fans for their support, acknowledging that he would miss representing the team from the field but would continue supporting them from the sidelines.
Personal and Emotional Context
Messi’s retirement announcement followed the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68 after a long illness. In his statement, Messi described the decision as deeply painful but necessary, emphasizing that he had "nothing left to give" to the national team. He also expressed pride in the team’s achievements, including moments that were once "only dreamed of." Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he scored four goals in a 7-1 win over CF Montreal over the weekend.
Reaction and Future Plans
Messi’s retirement has drawn widespread tributes from fans, teammates, and football figures worldwide. While he did not specify future coaching or administrative roles with Argentina, he indicated that he would remain involved in football. His final international match was the World Cup final defeat to Spain, a game in which he played all eight matches and scored eight goals, finishing just one behind tournament top scorer Kylian Mbappé.
Statistical Summary of Messi’s Argentina Career
- Appearances: 207 (most-capped player)
- Goals: 125 (record for Argentina)
- World Cup goals: 21 (record for Argentina)
- Major titles: 2022 World Cup, 2021 and 2024 Copa America
- World Cup appearances: 6 (record-tying)
- Final international match: 2026 World Cup final vs. Spain (July 19, 2026)
Messi’s retirement marks the end of an era for Argentina and global football, capping a career that spanned two decades and reshaped the sport.