Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, ending a 20-year international career.
In an emotional Instagram Reel posted Monday, August 31, 2026, the Argentina captain said he felt he had “nothing more to give.”
Messi wrote that he made the decision shortly after the team’s final match and that the passing of his father strengthened his resolve.
The statement conveyed deep personal reflection, marking the close of an era for one of football’s most iconic figures.
His retirement brings to an end a storied international journey that included countless memorable moments and major trophies, and now leaves Argentina facing a new chapter without its long-time leader.
Messi said, “After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team.”
He admitted the decision was painful but said he believed it was the right time to end his international career.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi said.
The 39-year-old stressed that he had always given his best for Argentina, including during the difficult years before the country’s recent successes.
“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” he said.
“I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot,” he said.
“I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.”
The veteran forward also pointed to the emergence of younger players who, he said, deserved an opportunity to represent the national team.
“Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here,” Messi added.
Reflecting on his two decades with Argentina, Messi thanked supporters for their unwavering affection and said he would continue backing the team even after stepping away.
“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones,” he said.
Messi also expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates and directors who accompanied him throughout his international career.
He said he was leaving with “peace and pride”, having shared unforgettable moments with his teammates and supporters.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!” he said.
The Argentina star ended his statement by thanking God for making him Argentine before signing off with, “Vamos Argentina!”
Messi also said he originally wrote the statement on July 21, two days after the final.
“Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before,” he added.
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