Last Updated on September 2, 2026 by YeJahan
YEJAHAN DEXK
The legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, ending a remarkable 20-year run with his national team. At 39 years old, the Argentina captain explained that he thought long and hard about this choice after the 2026 World Cup final and felt it was truly the right time to step aside.
On Monday, in a message on his Instagram account, Messi shared that the decision was deeply painful, but he knew it was the moment to move on. He emphasized that he always poured his heart into playing for Argentina, not just during the recent years of massive success, but from the very beginning of his career.
“It was a decision that hurts and hurts the soul, but I understand that this is the moment. I swear to you that I always gave everything—not just these last years when we won everything, but before as well—and I always fought and left everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he said.
He expressed his enduring love for the national team and noted that he has given everything he possibly could to the shirt. Looking to the future, Messi pointed out that a new generation of younger players is coming through who deserve their own chance to shine on the international stage.
He also took the time to thank the fans for two decades of unconditional support, promising that he will now cheer for the team from the stands as a regular supporter.
“Thank you for all the love these past 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you all from the inside so much. Now I’m going to be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside (through thick and thin, even more so),” he stated.
Messi also expressed his gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches, and staff who shared in his long journey.
He stated he leaves with a sense of peace and pride, knowing they achieved dreams together that once seemed impossible. This announcement follows Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final, where they finished as runners-up after a defeat to Spain.
