Messi Retires from Argentina Duty: ‘I Have Nothing Left to Give’
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the greatest careers in the history of the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old confirmed his decision on Instagram, saying it was painful but that he believed “the time has come”.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,” Messi said.
“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 there are some great young players coming through who deserve their chance.”
Messi finishes his Argentina career as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
His greatest achievement came in 2022, when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. He also won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
His final appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Spain after extra time.
A remarkable international career
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to represent his country for more than two decades.
His international career included difficult moments, including four major final defeats before Argentina finally ended their long wait for a major trophy with victory at the 2021 Copa America.
He later guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and another Copa America triumph in 2024.
Messi briefly retired from international football in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile, but reversed his decision and returned to the national team.
Messi will continue with Inter Miami
Although his international career is over, Messi is expected to continue playing club football with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
His contract with the club runs until the end of the 2028 season.
Whether he will eventually return to Argentina to finish his career at boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys remains uncertain.
For now, however, Argentina must prepare for life without the player who has defined its football for more than 20 years.
Messi leaves the national team as a World Cup champion, a record goalscorer and the most-capped player in Argentina’s history.
The era of Lionel Messi in the blue and white shirt is over.
