Lionel Messi retires from international football. The final chapter is closed

Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football. The captain of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team leaves after 207 appearances and 125 goals. His final match will remain the 1–0 World Cup final defeat by Spain.

A DECISION THAT STILL HURTS

Messi announced his decision through social media. He revealed that he had written his farewell statement on 21 July, two days after the World Cup final, but waited before publishing it.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come,” the Argentine wrote.

The 39-year-old stressed that he had given everything to the national team throughout his career—not only during the successful final years, but also when Argentina repeatedly fell short in major finals.

207 MATCHES, 125 GOALS

Messi leaves as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and all-time leading scorer. He made his senior debut in 2005 and went on to register 207 appearances and 125 goals across a 21-year international career.

His senior honours with Argentina include:

• the 2022 World Cup,
• two Copa América titles, won in 2021 and 2024,
• the 2022 Finalissima,
• two World Cup runner-up finishes, in 2014 and 2026.

Messi appeared at six World Cups. His final tournament ended in another final, but Argentina’s 1–0 defeat by Spain denied him the chance to sign off with a second world title.

FROM RESIGNATION TO REDEMPTION

This is not the first time Messi has stepped away from Argentina. He initially announced his international retirement after losing the 2016 Copa América Centenario final. He later returned and led the national team into its most successful period since the era of Diego Maradona.

The 2021 Copa América ended Messi’s long wait for a senior international trophy. Victory over Italy in the Finalissima followed, before Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar and successfully defended the Copa América title.

A story once defined by disappointment ultimately ended with a complete collection of the game’s most important international trophies.

ARGENTINA LOSE THEIR NUMBER TEN

Messi said a new generation of talented players deserved the opportunity to take responsibility for the national team. He will continue to support Argentina, but will no longer wear the shirt on the pitch.

“I have given everything I had. I have nothing left to give,” he said.

His club career continues. Messi remains an Inter Miami player and is under contract until 2028. He is closing his international chapter, but he has not yet said goodbye to football.

It is also a symbolic moment for Barcelona. The greatest player in the club’s history, who scored 672 goals in 778 official appearances, has walked off the pitch in an Argentina shirt for the final time. There will be no campaign asking him to reconsider this time. Only one word remains: thank you.