Messi announces departure from Argentina national team
Lionel Messi said on Monday he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July. "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time," Messi, 39, wrote on Instagram.
- World
- Reuters
- Published Date: 06:49 PM 31 August 2026
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, said on Monday in a post on Instagram that he would be leaving Argentina's national team.
"It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all — not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football," the 39-year-old posted on Instagram.
"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of," he added.