Barcelona icon Lionel Messi announces international retirement with immediate effect

It is a sad day for football, as Barcelona icon Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect. The 39-year-old, who came agonisingly close to leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cups, has decided now is the right time to end his La Albiceleste career.

Taking to Instagram (via Diario AS), Messi told the world of his decision, which was made in the days after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

“After this time that has passed since the final, after thinking a lot, I want to tell you all that I am retiring from the National Team… It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in the soul, but I understand that it’s the moment. I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last years when everything was won before too, and I always fought and gave my all for this jersey, to give you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“There isn’t much left, and stages are ending, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being in the National Team. I’ve emptied myself; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are very talented youngsters coming up who deserve to be here.

“Thank you for all the affection over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from inside a lot. Now I’ll be just another one of you, cheering and supporting always from the outside (in good times and in bad, even more). Thanks to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thanks to each of the coaches, teammates, and officials I had the chance to share with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments lived. I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dream moments. It was crazy to have experienced it with you all. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!”

Messi decision influenced by father’s death

At the end of his statement, Messi revealed that he made the decision to retire two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain, although he only confirmed it after the passing of his father Jorge, who died after a long battle with illness earlier this month.

Argentine football will never be the same again, and Messi’s decision only brings the world one step closer to the day that he hangs up his boots for good. For now, he’s continuing with Inter Miami, although it remains to be seen how long he keeps playing at club level.