Messi calls time on international career
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending a two-decade career with Argentina's national team. The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, made the announcement in a statement on his official Instagram account, as reported by multiple outlets including the BBC, Deutsche Welle, and The Guardian.
"It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come," Messi wrote, according to the BBC and France 24. He added that he had "nothing left to give," a sentiment echoed in reports from Dawn and Sky Sports.
A career of records and titles
Messi's international career spanned 207 appearances, making him Argentina's most-capped player, and he scored 125 goals, an all-time national record, as noted by the BBC, Deutsche Welle, and Sky Sports. He made his debut for Argentina in 2005 in a friendly against Hungary, according to France 24 and The Guardian.
His achievements include leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, where they beat France in a penalty shootout, as well as Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima, according to Sky Sports and Deutsche Welle. The Guardian also noted that Messi was a runner-up in the World Cup in 2014 and this summer.
The final tournament and its aftermath
Argentina reached the final of the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, but lost 1-0 to Spain on July 19, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times and Sky Sports. The match took place at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, according to the Buenos Aires Times. Sky Sports reported that Ferran Torres scored in extra time to clinch the title for Spain.
Messi revealed that he had written his retirement statement on July 21, two days after the final, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times, Deutsche Welle, and The Guardian. In the statement, he said the decision "hurt and still hurts deep in my soul," according to Dawn and Deutsche Welle.
Father's death influenced decision
Messi's father, Jorge, died in August, and following his death, Messi expressed "serious doubts" about continuing to play football "for much longer," as reported by ABC Australia, Dawn, and Deutsche Welle. The Guardian reported that Messi said his father's death had confirmed it was the right moment to publish his retirement statement and end his international career.
In a statement after his father's death, Messi revealed the extent of his struggle in the World Cup final defeat, writing: "My legs couldn't go on any more," as quoted by The Guardian. He added, "This time I tried to push myself beyond my physical limits, but I couldn't."
Looking ahead
Messi's club career will continue at Inter Miami, where his contract runs until the end of the 2028 season, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times, Dawn, Deutsche Welle, and France 24. He moved to the Major League Soccer club in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Deutsche Welle, after a 15-year career with Barcelona, where he won the UEFA Champions League four times and the Spanish title ten times.
In his retirement statement, Messi expressed gratitude to fans, family, coaches, and teammates, and noted that there are "very talented young players coming through who deserve to be there," as reported by Dawn and The Guardian. He concluded with "Vamos, Argentina!" according to Deutsche Welle.