The 39-year-old made the decision following Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19, but delayed making the announcement publicly.
Messi revealed that he had decided to retire two days after the final, saying the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come to close the chapter.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
“It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come,” he added.
Messi leaves international football with 207 appearances for Argentina, making him the second-most capped men’s international footballer, while his 125 goals make him the country’s all-time leading scorer.
The Argentina captain had hoped to lead his country to consecutive World Cup titles after guiding them to glory in 2022, but Spain denied them the opportunity with a late extra-time victory in the final.
Messi also finishes his World Cup career as the second-highest scorer in the competition, behind Kylian Mbappé, after both players surpassed Miroslav Klose’s previous record during the 2026 tournament.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also lifted the Copa América with Argentina in 2021 and 2024, adding major international honours to a career that includes numerous individual and club achievements.
Reflecting on his international career, Messi said he had always given everything for the Argentina jersey and was proud to have shared memorable moments with his teammates and supporters.
“I swear to you that I always gave it my all—not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he said.
Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates, officials and supporters for standing by him throughout his international journey.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you—alongside my team-mates—moments we once only dreamed of,” he wrote.
Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he remains an important figure for the American side.
In a postscript to his statement, Messi revealed that he had written the retirement message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August had made him even more certain about the decision.
“I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before,” he added.
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