The 39-year-old icon said “I have nothing more to give” after a 21-year journey with the Albiceleste, which included a historic World Cup triumph.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, has officially announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing an end to a 21-year international career that spanned six World Cups and delivered a historic trophy haul.
Messi, now 39, confirmed his decision in an emotional statement on Instagram, stating, “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment”. His final match for Argentina was the 2026 World Cup final on July 19, where he and his team lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, said he believed the time was right to step aside for a new generation of players. “I gave everything I had, I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve to be there,” he wrote.
The highlight of his international career was lifting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, cementing his legacy alongside the all-time greats. He also led Argentina to back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. Messi added that he wrote the initial retirement statement on July 21, just days after the final loss, but the recent death of his father and long-time agent, Jorge Messi, on August 8, convinced him to finalise his decision.
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria. Contact: info@cdanews.ng | www.cdanews.ng | +2348030980314 | 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
