Lionel Messi announces Argentina retirement in letter he wrote two days after World Cup heartache
Lionel Messi announces Argentina retirement in letter he wrote two days after World Cup heartache
Tom Malley Mon, August 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC
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Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international soccer with Argentina -Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi has officially announced his international retirement following a summer of heartbreak for the Inter Miami forward.
Messi, 39, revealed in a statement on Monday (Aug 31) that he had made his decision two days after the gutwrenching 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in the United States, which was swiftly followed by his father's tragic death.
That game would prove to be Messi's last in an Argentina shirt, as the former Barcelona star has now confirmed he will no longer be turning out for his national team following more than two decades of service.
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"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…" Messi began in a statement shared to social media.
"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.
"I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
Messi's final game for Argentina came in last month's 2026 FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain in the U.S. -Credit:Getty Images
"There isn't much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. 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.
"Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.
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"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.
"Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
Messi was instrumental as Argentina tasted World Cup success in 2022 in Qatar
"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!
"Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!"
Messi then added: "I wrote these words 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."
Messi initially retired from international soccer following Argentina's Copa America defeat to Chile in 2016, when he missed a crucial penalty in the shootout, marking his country's third consecutive defeat in a major final in three years (following the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa America).
However, he swiftly returned just six weeks later, following a collective effort by fans, teammates, the Argentine president, and even national hero Diego Maradona to convince him to reconsider his decision.
Messi also lifted two Copa America trophies with Argentina, in 2021 and 2024 -Credit:AFP via Getty Images
Messi stated that his love for his country and the national team was too great, and over the next decade, he would lead Argentina through one of its most successful periods in history, winning three consecutive tournaments, including his first elusive World Cup.
That period of success started with the Copa America in 2021, followed by the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and a second Copa America in 2024.
A second consecutive World Cup final in 2026 is also nothing to be sniffed at, and even if Argentina had won, it is likely that Messi would have come to the same decision on his international future, given his age and the fact that he has won everything there is to win with La Albiceleste.
His decision to retire means he ends his senior Argentina career having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, during which he holds the records for the most assists in the FIFA World Cup (12) and in international soccer (65).
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
