Lionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina national team
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Lionel Messi, 39, announced his retirement from Argentina's national team on Instagram on Monday. The decision comes after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19. Messi said the choice was painful but that the time had come.
Key Facts
- Messi scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, both national records.
- He won the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, and the 2008 Olympic gold medal with Argentina.
- Messi wrote his farewell message on July 21, two days after the 2026 World Cup final, but delayed publishing it until after his father Jorge's death on August 7.
- His contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season.
- The Argentine Football Association plans to organize a large farewell match in Messi's honor.
The Announcement
Messi posted his retirement statement on Instagram on Monday, August 31, 2026. He wrote that the decision 'hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time.' Messi said he had given everything for the national team and that a talented young generation deserves its place. He thanked fans, family, coaches, and teammates for more than 20 years of support.
International Career
Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 in Germany and played in six World Cups. He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, defeating France on penalties. At the 2026 World Cup, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists, but Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final after extra time. Messi previously announced retirement from the national team in 2016 after losing the Copa América final, but returned two months later.
Club Career and Future
Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami, where his contract runs until the end of the 2028 season. On August 29, he scored four goals for Inter Miami in a 7-1 win over Montreal. The Argentine Football Association plans to organize a large farewell match in Messi's honor.