Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year career with the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday, August 31, in an emotional statement published on social media, saying he had reached the point where he could no longer give more to the national team.
Messi revealed that he had written the statement on July 21, two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, but said the recent death of his father further strengthened his decision.
“After giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team,” Messi said.
He added that the decision was painful but insisted that he had always given everything for Argentina, including during the difficult years before the country’s remarkable run of success.
Messi made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005 and went on to become the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer. He finished his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals, according to reports following his retirement announcement.
His Argentina career included three major international titles: the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. He also won the 2022 Finalissima against Italy and an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2008.
Messi also guided Argentina to the 2014 and 2026 World Cup finals, although the team lost both. His six World Cup appearances produced 34 matches, 21 goals and 12 assists, while he reached at least the quarter-finals in five of those tournaments.
Messi’s Remarkable Career Achievements
Messi leaves international football as one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport.
Among his major achievements are:
8 Ballon d’Or awards — the most in football history.
1 FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
2 Copa América titles — 2021 and 2024.
1 Finalissima title — 2022.
Olympic gold medal — 2008.
4 UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona.
10 La Liga titles with Barcelona.
7 Copa del Rey titles.
6 European Golden Shoes.
46 major team trophies across his club and international career, making him the most decorated player in professional football.
91 goals in a calendar year in 2012, a longstanding world record.
672 goals for Barcelona, the most goals scored by a player for a single club.
474 La Liga goals, the competition’s all-time record.
39 Copa América appearances, the most in the tournament’s history.
Most Copa América assists, with 18.
Most international goals by a South American male player.
Most World Cup appearances for Argentina, alongside a record 21 World Cup goals.
Messi’s international journey was particularly remarkable because it followed years of heartbreak. He lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and suffered defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals before finally ending Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major senior trophy by winning the 2021 Copa América.
The triumph in Qatar a year later completed his pursuit of the World Cup, while the 2024 Copa América success gave him a third major international title.
Now, after more than two decades representing Argentina, Messi says he will continue supporting the national team from outside.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of,” he said.
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!”
