Lionel Messi announced on Monday that he is retiring from Argentina’s national team, closing out an international career that spanned six World Cups after his side’s runner-up finish at this year’s tournament.
Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, denying Messi a second consecutive title following Argentina’s triumph in Qatar in 2022.
In a letter posted to Instagram, the 39-year-old forward said he had written the message just two days after the final but waited weeks before sharing it publicly. He said the decision was painful but that he felt the moment had arrived, adding that he had given everything for the national shirt throughout his career, not only in the recent trophy-laden years.
Messi said the recent death of his father had strengthened his resolve to step away now.
The announcement ends an international career that produced 98 goals in appearances across six World Cups, along with titles at the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. He is Argentina’s all-time leader in caps, goals and assists.
Messi is not retiring from professional football. He remains under contract with Inter Miami through December 2028 and continues to play in Major League Soccer, where he has been among the league’s top scorers in each of the past two seasons.
Speculation over the timing of his Argentina exit had built since the final, with some reports in late July suggesting the federation was planning an extended farewell period culminating in a special send-off match on home soil. It remains unclear whether such an exhibition will still take place following Monday’s announcement.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has not yet commented publicly on Messi’s decision.
