Lionel Messi (39) confirmed on Monday that he is retiring from international football, bringing an end to a glittering 21-year career with Argentina’s national team.

The Inter Miami forward announced his decision in an emotional statement posted to Instagram, stating he had reached a point where he had nothing more to give his country.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” wrote Messi, who revealed he had originally drafted the statement on 21 July, just two days after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

“I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he added.

The announcement was delayed following the death of his father and long-time agent Jorge Messi (68) in early August. Jorge passed away at Sanatorio Centro in Rosario, Argentina, on 8 August after battling an undisclosed illness. A private funeral was held the following day in the nearby town of Perez.

Following his father’s death, Messi had indicated he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football of any sort for “much longer”.

Messi’s international career spanned more than two decades, during which he became Argentina’s most-capped player and led his nation to its greatest triumphs in recent memory. He lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022 after Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout in Doha, ending the nation’s 36-year wait for football’s ultimate prize.

He also captained Argentina to Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024, and won the 2022 Finalissima, the Olympic gold medal in 2008, and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005.

July’s World Cup final marked Argentina’s second consecutive appearance in the tournament’s showpiece match, though Spain’s narrow victory denied Messi the chance to bow out as a champion.

Despite stepping away from international duty, Messi confirmed he will continue playing club football. His contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season. He helped the club win the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and the 2025 MLS Cup.

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Over his career, Messi won 46 official senior trophies across spells with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. His individual honours include a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, four FIFA Best Men’s Player awards, and two World Cup Golden Balls.

He holds numerous records, including the most goals scored in a calendar year (91 in 2012), the most career goals for Barcelona (672), the most goals in La Liga history (474), and the most assists in professional football history (421).

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia had previously stated the decision on Messi’s future was entirely personal, with no pressure placed on the forward to continue or retire.

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