Messi has retired from the Argentina national team after a 21-year international career, which earned him a World Cup trophy and two Copa America victories.

The 39-year-old made the announcement through a note shared on Instagram saying "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 " he wrote. "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts down but I understand that the time has come."

Messi Opens Up About His Decision

Messi said he had already written the message weeks earlier. "I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final " he added. "Today after what happened with my dad I am more convinced than before." His father and long-time agent, Jorge Messi, passed away on August 8 in Rosario, Argentina, at 68 years old.

A Record-Breaking International Career

Messi will leave the national team with 125 goals from 207 appearances, making him the top Argentine player in terms of goals and more than any other player in South American soccer ever in history. Messi made his debut on the senior squad two decades ago and then played in six World Cups.

His greatest achievements took place in Qatar in 2022 when he won the World Cup and thus ended a 36-year drought for Argentina. These achievements were sandwiched between two wins in the Copa América tournament in 2021 and 2024. This year had a completely different plot: Argentina was beaten 1-0 in extra time in the World Cup final against Spain; Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute, which brought Messi to tears on the field.

This isn’t the first time Messi has stepped away, from international play. He briefly retired in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa América to Chile only to return to the team a few weeks later.

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