Kolkata: Lionel Messi has officially called time on his Argentina career, bringing one of the greatest international stories in football history to an end.
After more than two decades wearing the famous blue and white shirt, the 39 year-old has decided that his journey with the Albiceleste has reached its final chapter. The announcement brings an emotional and to a career that has seen Messi experience some of the highest highs and lowest lows possible in international football.
Just weeks after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi made this decision. This loss ended Argentina’s hopes of defending their World Cup title with Messi captaining the team once again on the biggest stage in football.
Regarding his retirement, Messi emotionally wrote in his social media, “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”.
“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”.
“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”.
“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!”
However, His story in Argentina will be remembered for much for than just this loss. Messi carried the expectation of an entire nation for many years while facing backlashes after tough defeats, including the 2014 World Cup final and the Copa América finals in 2015 and 2016. There were times when he stepped back from international football, only to return later and win everything.
Everything changed when Messi lifted his first ever international trophy Copá America in 2021. Then a year later he won the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Messi confinued his international success helping Argentina to defending their Copa America title in 2024, and by then he had firmly established himself as one of the greatest players ever to represent the country.
Messi leaves the Argentine national team as the country’s most-capoed player and the all-time leading goalscorer, finishing his international career with 208 apoearances and 125 goals.
He also leaves with an extraordinary collection of international records, at the World Cup Messi scored 21 goals across five tournaments, while becoming the first player to win the Golden Ball twice in 2014 and 2022. He also holds Argentina’s record for World Cup goals.
From his debut in 2005 to his final appearance in 2026, Messi’s international career spanned more than two decades. He leaves behind records that stand for generations and legacy that has already secured his place amongst the greatest players ever to represent a national team.
207 appearances. 125 goals. World Cup champion. Two-time Copa América champion. The era of Argentina’s No. 10 has come to an end.
