Argentina superstar Lionel Messi announced his international retirement on Monday, concluding a 21-year national-team career capped by the 2022 World Cup title. Writing on Instagram after finishing second at the recent tournament in North America, the 39-year-old confirmed his exit while continuing his club play with Inter Miami.
An Instagram Announcement Born From Grief and Reflection
The end of an era for Argentina superstar Lionel Messi arrived through a long social-media statement posted on Monday. Though he drafted his retirement letter on July 21—just two days after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain in extra time in East Rutherford, New Jersey—he delayed publication.
His father, Jorge Messi, was battling severe health issues that ultimately led to his death on August 8 in Rosario. The 39-year-old explained that the loss of his father only reinforced the certainty of his decision.
The Inter Miami captain finished his international journey holding numerous records for the Albiceleste. He earned 207 caps and established himself as the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, including 21 scored across a record-tying six World Cups.
From 2006 Frustrations to Qatar Glory
Messi’s path with the national team was far from straightforward since his senior debut in 2006, which lasted all of two minutes before a red card against Hungary. For years, major tournaments brought heartbreak. He briefly stepped away from international duty in 2016 following three defeats in three consecutive major finals.
Yet those struggles gave way to a golden era. Messi carried his country to continental titles at the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, sandwiched around the crowning achievement of his career: lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022.
Lionel Messi swore that he always gave it his all — not just in those last few years when they won everything, but before that too; adding that he always fought and left everything on the field for that jersey, to bring people joy and make them feel proud to be Argentine through football. Lionel Messi, via Chicago Tribune
At the recent tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Messi played all eight matches and scored eight goals, finishing just one strike behind France’s Kylian Mbappé for the tournament’s scoring honors.
Tributes and a Planned Farewell Match
Tributes poured in from across the football world. Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia invited Messi to take part in a special farewell match scheduled for October 6 at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium against Benin. The fixture forms part of a three-match home friendly series during the FIFA international window that also includes matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
National team coach Lionel Scaloni praised his former captain during the tournament run, noting his lasting imprint on the sport. Scaloni described him simply as pure history
and a legend
.
Meanwhile, Antonela Roccuzzo voiced support for her husband’s enduring spirit. Messi’s wife emphasized that his legacy rests as much on his tenacity as his extraordinary natural talent.
You will always be the best. Antonela Roccuzzo, via Tagesspiegel
Club Future and an Impending National Team Overhaul
While his international days are finished, Messi’s club career continues in Major League Soccer. Messi demonstrated his ongoing scoring prowess over the weekend by netting four goals in a 7-1 rout of CF Montreal. His contract with the MLS club runs through the end of 2028.
Back in Argentina, the national setup faces broader uncertainty following the retirement of its talisman. Doubts surround the future of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and coach Lionel Scaloni, whose current terms face potential turnover as the Albiceleste look toward a new cycle.
A Final Message to the Supporters
For the millions who watched him wear the light blue and white stripes, Messi left a parting vow of solidarity from the stands.
Lionel Messi expressed gratitude for all the love over the past 20 years, stating that he was going to miss hearing everyone from the inside so much and sharing that he was now going to be one of them, cheering and supporting them from the outside through thick and thin, even more so. Lionel Messi, via Denver Post