REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
Lionel Messi has made his final decision on retiring from representing Argentina following the 2026 World Cup, marking the end of one of the greatest international careers in history.
Messi, 39, was one game away from winning back-to-back World Cups, but had to settle for the second silver medal of his career as Argentina fell short against Spain in July.
Lionel Messi Steps Back From International Football
Lionel Messi via REUTERS/Albert Gea
The greatest footballer of all time was widely expected to retire from international duty after the heartbreak of losing the World Cup final and then his father's tragic passing just weeks later.
Messi has now posted a lengthy statement, which he wrote just two days after the defeat to Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The statement reads: "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…
"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
"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.
"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.
"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 Previously Retired From Argentina Duty
Lionel Messi looks dejected via REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
It marks the second, but likely final time that Messi has hung up his international boots. The diminutive genius initially announced his Argentina retirement a decade ago, after the Copa America final defeat against Chile in 2016.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
He ultimately reversed that decision and went on to win Copa America twice and the 2022 World Cup to cement his status as the finest footballer to ever live.