Lionel Messi retires from international football after 20 years

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying he has given everything he can to Argentina and believes it is time to bring his national-team career to an end.

In a statement on Monday, August 31, 2026, Messi said the decision had been painful but that he had become convinced it was the right moment to step away from the Argentina national team.

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” Messi said.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”

The Argentina captain said he had always given his best for the national team, including during the difficult periods before the team’s recent run of major successes.

“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” he said. “I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”

Messi said he recognised that his international career was approaching its final chapter and that he had nothing more to give.

“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot,” he said.

“I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.”

The 39-year-old also pointed to the emergence of younger players who he believes deserve opportunities with the national team.

“Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here,” he said.

Messi thanked Argentina supporters for their backing throughout his two decades with the national team, saying he would continue to support the team from outside.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside,” he said. “Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.”

He also paid tribute to his family, coaches, teammates, and officials who accompanied him throughout his international career.

“I take with me unforgettable memories and moments,” Messi said.

“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!”

Messi concluded by reaffirming his pride in representing Argentina.

“Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!” he said.

He added that the statement had originally been written on July 21, two days after the final, and said a subsequent family event had strengthened his resolve to retire from international football.

“Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before,” he said.

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