Μake us preferred on Google Arguably the best footballer in history, Lionel Messi, has retired from the national football team of Argentina. The football magician who will definitely be included in the pantheon of the sport’s greatest, announced his decision in a post on his Instagram page.
The Argentine’s farewell to the national team is not simply the end of a great career. It is the closing chapter of a 20-year journey marked by pressure, scrutiny, redemption and, in the end, a heavy personal loss. At 39, the man who built his life around the Albiceleste shirt has decided to step away, leaving behind not just statistics and trophies but an entire era.
Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in the Major Soccer League (MLS) in the United States, had hoped to lead Argentina to a second consecutive title, but the team lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time in the final of the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
The 39-year-old made 207 appearances for his country — the second-most of any international footballer — scoring 125 goals in a career spanning more than two decades. Messi said he had decided to retire two days after Argentina’s defeat in the final, but delayed announcing it because of his father’s health. His father died at 68 after a long illness.
After this time that has passed since the final, having thought about it a lot, I want to let you all know that I am retiring from the National Team…
The message on Instagram:
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment. I swear to you that I always gave everything — not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too — and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
Little remains, and chapters keep closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I’ve emptied myself out, I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are very talented young players coming up behind who deserve to be there.
Thank you for all the love of these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from inside so much. Now I’m going to be one more of you, cheering and supporting always from the outside (in the good times and the bad, even more so).
Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey that was so beautiful but difficult. Thank you to every one of the coaches, teammates and officials I had the chance to share this with. I carry with me unforgettable memories and moments.
I leave with the peace of mind and the pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dream moments. It was incredible to have lived it with you. I love you!
Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.
Come on, Argentina!
*I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than before.”
