Lionel Messi has announced the end of his international career after leading Argentina to the final of the 2026 World Cup in July. The statement was shared on the 39-year-old striker's Instagram account on Monday (local time).
“This is a painful decision that still tightens my chest, but I understand the time has come,” Messi wrote. “I swear I have always given my all, not only in recent years when we won every trophy, but also before that. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt.”
Messi guided Argentina to the world title at the 2022 World Cup after a penalty shootout win over France in Doha, Qatar. However, at the 2026 tournament, his side fell 0-1 to Spain in the final.
Following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August, the forward had admitted to having “serious doubts” about continuing to play in any capacity “for much longer.”
Messi's contract with MLS club Inter Miami remains valid through the 2028 season.
