Messi made the announcement on Monday, August 31, 2026, through an emotional message shared on his Instagram account.
The announcement comes weeks after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19, 2026.
The painful defeat at MetLife Stadium ended Argentina's hopes of defending the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022, when Messi finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him for much of his career.
Although many expected Messi to announce his decision immediately after the World Cup final, he revealed that he had written his farewell message on July 21, just two days after the tournament ended.
However, he delayed making the announcement following a private family tragedy.
His father, Jorge Messi, had been battling severe health problems during the tournament and died on August 8, 2026.
'Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced of this decision than before,' Messi wrote in a poignant Spanish message shared with his fans.
'It is a decision that hurts my soul, but I know it is time. I have emptied myself: now I have nothing more to give.'
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and leaves the national team as its all-time leader in both appearances and goals.
He ended his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
His journey with Argentina was marked by both painful defeats and historic triumphs.
After losing the 2014 FIFA World Cup final to Germany and suffering consecutive defeats in the Copa América finals, Messi briefly retired from international football in 2016 before later reversing his decision.
His perseverance was eventually rewarded with three major international trophies.
He led Argentina to victory at the 2021 Copa América, followed by the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He then helped the country win the 2024 Copa América.
These victories cemented his status as one of the most successful players in Argentina's football history.
Messi's retirement from international football does not mark the end of his playing career.
The forward will continue playing club football in the United States with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.
He is under contract with the club through the 2027 season.
Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its most decorated player, bringing to a close one of the most remarkable international careers in football history.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/lionel-messi-announces-retirement-from-argentina-national-team/
