Argentina legend Lionel Messi on August 31 announced his retirement from international football. Messi took to Instagram and penned an emotional letter for his fans. Messi made the announcement weeks after FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain. But, the FIFA World Cup 2024-winning captain revealed that he wrote the letter on July 21, a couple of days after the 2026 edition’s final.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, to my core, but I understand that it's the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football,” Messi wrote in a handwritten note he posted on social media.
“There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I've given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.
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“Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you all from the inside. Now I'll be just one of you, cheering and supporting you from the sidelines (through thick and thin, even more so)...
“I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my dad, I'm even more convinced than before.”
Messi will continue play for Inter Miami in the ongoing Major League Soccer (MLS) 2026. He has scored 17 goals from 19 games in 2026 for Inter Miami including four goals in a match against CF Montreal last week. However, it is not clear whether he will play in the next season as well or bid goodbye to his playing career altogether after conclusion of this season.
Messi’s achievements in international football
Messi played 207 games and scored 125 goals. He played in six World Cups, winning the 2022 edition. He scored 21 goals in his World Cup career. Only France’s Kylian Mbappe has more World Cup goals (22) than the 39-year-old. Messi has won the Copa America twice in 2021 and 2024. He also won the Olympic gold medal with Argentina's Under-23 team.