Jakarta, ThedailyID — Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, ending a 21-year journey with the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old announced his decision on Instagram on August 31, 2026, seven weeks after Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Messi revealed that he had actually written his farewell message on July 21, two days after the final, but his father’s death in August made him more certain about the decision.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come.” Messi said in his Instagram post, Tuesday (01/09).
Messi also said he had given everything to the national team throughout his career and wanted to leave knowing he had done everything he could for the Argentina shirt. The Guardian, August 31, 2026, reported that Messi had been considering his international future for some time, while FIFA confirmed that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, further reinforced his decision.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and leaves as the team’s all-time appearance holder and leading goalscorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals. He eventually transformed a career once defined by heartbreaking defeats into one of Argentina’s most successful eras.
He helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa América, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América, while also reaching the 2026 World Cup final.
This is not Messi’s first international retirement. He previously announced his retirement after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa América final to Chile, but later reversed the decision and returned to the national team.
That comeback changed everything.
Messi eventually lifted the trophies that had eluded him for years, completing one of the most remarkable international careers in football history.
Now, after more than two decades in the famous blue and white shirt, the captain is stepping away for good.
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!” Messi said in his Instagram post.
