Not Goodbye! Lionel Messi announces international retirement

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his career with the Argentina national team.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his decision with a post on his social media, following La Albiceleste’s second-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier in the summer.

Lionel Messi Retirement Message

In a long message, Messi explained in detail as to why he has decided to hang up his boots from international football.

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” he started.

“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too.

“I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”

Delving into his reasons for bringing an end to his career with the national team, Messi explained:

A mural depicting Lionel Messi near to his family childhood home. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.”

“Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.”

In the final part of his message, Messi expressed his gratitude to everyone who had been part of his journey with the national team.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.”

“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!”

“Thank you God for making me Argentine… Vamos Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before,” he concluded.

Messi retires from the Argentina national team as undoubtedly the greatest player in the country history. He steps down after making 207 appearances for Argentina, in which he scored 125 goals.