Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, September 1, ending 21 years of Argentina national team duty in an emotional Instagram post that closed the book on one of the greatest international careers in the sport's history.
How He Announced It
Messi shared a photo of a handwritten notebook entry, written in Spanish, confirming his retirement at age 39. "It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come," he wrote. In a notable footnote appended to the message, Messi revealed: "I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."
A Decision Shaped by Personal Loss
Messi's father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, died on August 8 at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, at age 68 — a loss that came just weeks after Argentina's World Cup final defeat and appears to have solidified a decision Messi had already been contemplating. Messi thanked coaches and family members who supported him throughout his career, writing: "Thank you for all the love of these 20 years. I am going to miss hearing you from the inside very much. Now I am going to be one of you, always encouraging and supporting from the outside." He added: "I leave with the tranquility and pride of having given you, together with my colleagues, dream moments."
How His International Career Ended
Messi's final appearance for Argentina came in the 2026 World Cup final, where the team lost to Spain 1-0 in extra time in front of more than 70,000 fans in New Jersey. It was his sixth World Cup, tying the record for most tournament appearances. He had previously led Argentina to the final in 2014, before finally winning the title in 2022 in Qatar — the country's first World Cup victory in 36 years.
A Trophy Cabinet Built Over Two Decades
Before his World Cup triumph, Messi played an essential role in ending Argentina's 28-year trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa América, following it up with a second Copa América title in 2024. He retires as Argentina's all-time leading goal scorer, with 125 goals in 207 matches for the national team.
A Familiar Pattern: This Isn't His First Retirement Announcement
Messi previously announced his retirement from international football once before, in 2016, following Argentina's third consecutive major final loss — a penalty shootout defeat to Chile in that year's Copa América. That announcement came in the heat of the moment in an emotional interview, but didn't stick: weeks later, after an outpouring of support from fans and a personal appeal, Messi reversed course and returned to the national team — a decision that ultimately paved the way for the Copa América and World Cup triumphs that followed.
Reactions From Family and Football Officials
Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, shared her own tribute on Instagram: "I saw you keep going when things didn't work out and always try again. And after so many years, I was also lucky enough to see you fulfill your dreams and live some of the happiest days of our lives. You deserved this story and so much more. We love you infinitely." FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Messi in a bilingual post "for an extraordinary international career that has inspired millions of people and redefined our sport. Your magical talent and humility will be remembered forever." Argentina President Javier Milei wrote simply: "Thank you very much, impossible man." The Argentine Football Association added: "Thank you for everything, Leo. Thank you for representing Argentina. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for turning so many dreams into reality."
A Career Once Doubted, Later Redeemed
For nearly two decades, Messi's brilliance was undisputed at the club level while frequently questioned on the international stage. He lost Copa América finals in 2007, 2015, and 2016, along with the 2014 World Cup final to Germany — a stretch of near-misses that culminated in his devastating, ultimately reversed 2016 retirement announcement. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, speaking during the recent World Cup, offered a simple summary of Messi's legacy: "He is pure history. History. A legend."
What's Next
Messi's retirement is limited strictly to international duty — he continues to play at club level for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, where he's played since 2023. With international soccer now behind him, attention turns to how much longer Messi plans to continue playing professionally at the club level before a full retirement from the sport. For continuing coverage, see the full NPR report.