Retirement announcement
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than two decades with the Argentina national team.
In a letter written in Spanish and posted on Instagram, Messi said: "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 national team."
He added: "It is a decision that hurts and still hurts deep down but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too."
Messi described his commitment to the national team, saying: "I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentinian through football."
He also pointed to the future, writing: "Time is running short, chapters come to a close and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I've given everything I had, I have nothing left to give and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here."
Final match and career highlights
Messi's last appearance for Argentina was the final of last month's World Cup in New York, where he captained the side in a 1-0 loss to Spain. The 39-year-old had led Argentina to the final but was unable to prevent the defeat.
His international career included a senior debut at the age of 18. According to 7NEWS Australia, Messi went on to play 207 times for Argentina and scored 125 goals. ANI reported 203 appearances and 124 goals.
Messi's crowning achievement came in 2022, when he led Argentina to World Cup triumph in Qatar – their third success and first since 1986. He scored seven goals in that campaign, including one against Australia, and 21 in total across 34 World Cup matches, as reported by 7NEWS Australia.
He also led Argentina to the Copa America title in 2021 – their first major honour in 28 years – and again in 2024, according to 7NEWS Australia. ANI described Messi as a one-time FIFA World Cup winner, the second-highest scorer in tournament history, and a two-time Copa America winner.
Previous retirement and return
This is not the first time Messi has stepped away from international football. He previously retired in 2016, after losing the 2014 World Cup final and back-to-back Copa America finals in successive years, but was persuaded to return, as reported by 7NEWS Australia.
Tributes from David Beckham
David Beckham, the former England captain, paid tribute to Messi in an Instagram post. Beckham wrote: "This is the moment we get to look back on & realise how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young kid with a dream... Leo you have been a credit to yourself, your family, your friends and your country... Leading by example and creating inspiration for millions of children not just in Argentina but around the whole world."
Beckham added: "Leo you delivered the greatest gift to your country and for that your legacy will live forever... Congratulations on all you achieved for Argentina."