Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, ending a 21-year career with the Argentina national team, in an emotional statement posted to Instagram.
What He Said
“I gave everything I had, I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve to be there,” Messi wrote. He said he had actually written the message on July 21, two days after Argentina’s World Cup final loss, but held off posting it publicly.
The Final Match
Messi’s last game for Argentina was the 2026 World Cup final on July 19, which Spain won 1-0 in extra time on a goal from substitute Ferran Torres. Argentina played the final stretch a man down after Enzo Fernandez was sent off, and Messi left the field in tears after collecting his runner-up medal.
A Difficult Summer
Messi’s father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, died in early August at age 68 after a prolonged illness. Messi wrote that his father’s death made him more certain than ever that it was time to step away from the national team.
How Argentina Is Honoring Him
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia said the federation will retire Messi’s No. 10 jersey, following the same honor given to Diego Maradona. “When Messi retires from the national team, we will not allow anyone else to wear the number 10 after him,” Tapia said. The AFA is also reportedly planning a farewell match to give Messi a proper send-off.
What Continues
The retirement applies only to Messi’s international career. He remains under contract with Inter Miami in MLS, where he has said the club will be the last of his professional career.
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