Argentina legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, stating that while the decision was painful, “the time has come.”
The 39-year-old captain, who led Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, retires as the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
In a statement published on social media, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he has given everything to the national team.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this one hurts me deeply,” Messi wrote. “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.”
Messi revealed he drafted his retirement message two days after Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the World Cup final but noted that the recent passing of his father, Jorge, reinforced his choice.
“Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced than before,” he added.
A Storied International Legacy
Messi’s international career began tempestuously in 2005, when he was sent off less than a minute into his debut against Hungary. However, he went on to establish one of the most remarkable records in international football:
- Major Honours: 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles (2021, 2024), and an Olympic Gold Medal (2008).
- Goal Scoring Record: 125 international goals, placing him second on the all-time list behind Cristiano Ronaldo (146).
- World Cup Impact: 21 World Cup goals and a record 12 tournament assists.
Although he previously briefly retired in 2016 following a Copa América final loss to Chile, Messi returned to lead Argentina through its most successful era in decades.
Messi will continue his club career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, where his contract runs through the end of the 2028 season.
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