Lionel Messi announced on Instagram Monday that he is retiring from Argentina’s national team, closing a 20-year international career that made him his country’s all-time leader in goals and appearances. According to ESPN, the 39-year-old forward said the choice came after deep reflection following the World Cup final and after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at age 68.
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In his post, Messi wrote, “After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team...” ESPN confirmed. He added, “It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come.”
A career of highs and heartbreaks
Messi finished his Argentina career with 125 goals in 207 matches, according to ESPN, and he leaves as the highest-scoring man in South American soccer history. Per NBC News, he played in six World Cups, won the tournament in 2022, and reached the final again in 2026, where Argentina lost to Spain.
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His international path was marked by both triumph and disappointment. Messi helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 and again in 2024, ending a long trophy drought, but he also endured several major final losses earlier in his career, NBC News reported.
Messi said he had “nothing left to give” to the national team and pointed to a wave of younger players ready for the next stage, ESPN confirmed. He added that he would remain a supporter from the sidelines while continuing his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
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