Lionel Messi announced Monday that he is retiring from Argentina's national team, closing the international career of one of the greatest players in soccer history. In a statement on Instagram, the 39-year-old said he had thought carefully since Argentina's last match and that “the time has come.”
A record career in blue and white
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to score 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time top scorer and most-capped player. He captained Argentina to the Copa América title in 2021 and then to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, the trophy that completed a career long defined by near misses. In his statement he said he had given everything to the national side and now has “nothing left to give,” adding: “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.”
A farewell after a final defeat
The announcement followed Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Earlier in his career, Messi suffered four straight final losses with Argentina, including the 2014 World Cup, before the team broke through in 2021 and 2022. This time, he said, the decision came after reflection rather than emotion.
What is next
Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he has played since 2023. Argentina must now plan for a future without its captain, with younger forwards already competing for his role in the national team's attack.