AFCON 2025
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 20-year career with the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami attacker confirmed his decision in an emotional farewell statement, admitting that walking away from the shirt he has represented since 2005 was a painful decision.
“I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team.”
Messi said the decision had “hurt and still hurts deep inside”, but insisted he believes the time is right to make way for the next generation of Argentine players.
“I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he said.
The announcement comes after Argentina’s painful defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in the United States. La Albiceleste lost 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.
Despite playing the full 120 minutes, the reigning world champions failed to register a shot on target.
Messi revealed that he had actually written his farewell statement on July 21, two days after the final, but said events surrounding his father have made him even more certain about his decision.
“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot,” Messi wrote.
“I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.”
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance holder with 207 caps and the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 125 goals. He also recorded 68 assists for La Albiceleste and scored 21 goals at the World Cup.
His greatest achievement came at Qatar 2022, where he captained Argentina to their first World Cup triumph in 36 years, completing a trophy-laden era that also included the 2021 Copa América and the 2024 Copa América.
But beyond the trophies and records, Messi’s farewell centred on his bond with the Argentina supporters.
“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones,” he said.
He also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and directors who accompanied him throughout his international career.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!”
Messi ended his emotional message with a final tribute to his homeland:
“Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!”
After two decades, 207 appearances, 125 goals and a World Cup triumph that completed his international legacy, Lionel Messi’s Argentina story has come to an end.
