Lionel Messi<\/a> has retired from international football after 20 years.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Lionel Messi has retired<\/p>\n
The 39-year-old football legend, who has played for Argentina at six World Cup tournaments, has officially called time on his career with the National Team after “a lot of thought”.<\/p>\n
In an Instagram post translated from Spanish on Monday (31.08.26), he wrote: “After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team…<\/p>\n
“It was a decision that hurt \u2014 and still hurts deep down \u2014 but I understand that the time has come.<\/p>\n
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“I swear to you that I always gave it my all\u2014not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”<\/p>\n
\nMessi revealed he had written his announcement on July 21, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.<\/p>\n
\nHe explained that after his dad Jorge Messi died earlier on this month aged 68, h is “more convinced than ever before” that he’s doing the right thing.<\/p>\n
\nThe Inter Miami captain, who will keep playing for the Major League Soccer club, added that “time is running short” and “chapters come to a close”, while the decision is “one what hurts me deeply”.<\/p>\n
\nHe continued: “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team.<\/p>\n
\n“I\u2019ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”<\/p>\n
\nMessi thanked the fans for the support over the last two decades, noting that while he will “miss” being in front of the national team’s fans, he’s now ready to cheer on the side himself.<\/p>\n
\nHe thanked his family “for always being there” on his journey, as well as “every coach, teammate, and official I\u2019ve shared this path with”.<\/p>\n
\nMessi concluded: “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you \u2014 alongside my teammates \u2014 moments we once only dreamed of.<\/p>\n
\n“It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!<\/p>\n
\n“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!”<\/p>\n
\nMessi is regarded as one of the best players in history, having won eight Ballon d’Or awards.<\/p>\n
\nWith Argentina, he won the 2022 World Cup, as well as the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.<\/p>\n
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