Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, bringing an emotional end to one of the greatest international careers in football history.

The 39-year-old Argentina captain confirmed his decision on Monday, August 31, 2026, in an emotional message, saying he believes it is the right moment to bring his international career to an end.

Messi’s announcement comes after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, ending the country’s attempt to retain the World Cup title won in Qatar in 2022.

His international career began in 2005 and lasted more than two decades. During that period, Messi became the face of Argentine football, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles and the Finalissima.

He also led Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final before finally lifting the biggest prize in international football eight years later.

Messi’s journey with Argentina was not always easy. For years, he faced intense criticism after Argentina lost several major finals, including the 2014 World Cup final and Copa América finals.

The pressure became so intense that Messi announced his international retirement in 2016 following Argentina’s Copa América Centenario final defeat to Chile.

He later reversed the decision and returned to the national team, eventually leading Argentina through one of the most successful periods in its football history.

The 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar completed the major achievement that had eluded him for much of his career and further cemented his status as one of football’s greatest players.

Messi not retiring from football completely

Despite the announcement, Messi is not retiring from professional football altogether.

The decision concerns his international career with Argentina, while he remains involved in club football with Inter Miami.

For Argentina, however, the end of Messi’s international career marks the closing of a remarkable chapter.

He leaves the national team having transformed his relationship with Argentine supporters—from a player who was once heavily criticised for the team’s failures into the captain who eventually delivered the World Cup.

After more than 20 years in Argentina’s famous blue and white shirt, the country will now have to begin life without the player who became synonymous with its modern football identity.

Messi’s international career may be over, but his legacy with Argentina will remain one of the most remarkable stories in the history of the sport.

The Messi era with Argentina is over. The memories, however, will remain.