Lionel Messi is retiring from international football at 39, ending his remarkable 20-year career with Argentina.
Messi made the decision after Argentina’s 1-0 loss in the dramatic 2026 World Cup final, in his sixth career World Cup, against Spain. Messi said the choice was a painful one he “couldn’t escape”.
“It was a decision I made in my soul because my spirit was tormented,” Messi stated, though acknowledged it was “the best decision at this point.”
Messi and Argentina teammate Enzo Fernandez walk off the field after losing their first World Cup final against Spain. Messi is heartbroken with his second loss after defeat to Germany in the 2014 final. Photo: Reuters
“Always giving everything for the flag of this country and for this shirt and for all of you.”
The emotional withdrawal came as Messi mourned the loss of his father, Jorge, Argentina’s long-time representative who had shaped every step of the 39-year-old’s stellar professional life, and was prevented from watching the 3-1 victory at Qatar by failing health, just weeks prior to the final.
Messi conceded his father’s passing had added further weight to his decision “because I have nothing else to give,” and instead, it would be up to “young talent such as this to emerge.”
A World Cup and Copa America winner, Messi departs on the ultimate note for the country that had yearned for success under his reign since making his Argentina debut in 2005.
“Thanks to teammates, staff and coaches. You do not get tired of playing for the love of football, for the love of the shirt, for the love of our Argentina,” said Messi, while thanking his family and friends.
The forward will remain Argentina’s ’10’ and will support the national team from the stands as the next generation moves forward.
