Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his illustrious Argentina career to an end after 207 appearances for the national team.
The 39-year-old superstar, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, leaves international football as one of the most decorated players in the country’s history.
He guided Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and also won two Copa América titles.Messi was also part of the Argentina side that finished as World Cup runners-up in 2014 and 2026.
Explaining his decision, the Inter Miami forward said the choice was painful but acknowledged that he had reached the end of his journey with the national team.
“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come,” Messi said.He stressed that he had always given his maximum for Argentina, insisting that his commitment to the national team extended beyond the period in which the team enjoyed major international success.
“I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to offer,” he said, adding that a new generation of talented young players deserved the opportunity to represent the country.
Messi also revealed that the death of his father, Jorge, earlier this month contributed to his doubts about continuing his international career. Reflecting on Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain in July, Messi admitted that physical limitations had also influenced his decision. “My legs could no longer continue,” he said, explaining that he tried to push himself beyond his physical limits during the final but was ultimately unable to do so.
Messi will now focus on his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028.
