SRINAGAR: Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 21-year career with the national side.
The 39-year-old revealed his decision in an emotional statement after reflecting on his future following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi said the decision to leave the national team had been painful but believed the time was right to step aside.
“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” he said, adding that he had always fought to bring happiness to Argentine supporters and make them proud.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he had written his retirement message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. He added that recent events involving his father had further strengthened his decision.
“Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before,” Messi said.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals since his senior debut in 2005.
During his career, he led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024. Argentina finished runners-up at the 2026 World Cup after losing the final to Spain.
Messi said he would continue to support the national team from outside the dressing room while allowing a new generation of players to take Argentina forward.
