It’s the end of an era. He posted a hand-written note on Instagram announcing the decision. Months after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a loss to Spain, Messi decided that the time was right to bid adieu to the Beautiful Game. Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026 losing to Spain. Messi at 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing the national side.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give. Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.
Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028 While his international career has now come to an end. His departure from the Argentina national team closes a remarkable chapter that began in 2005 and ultimately saw him achieve the World Cup triumph that had long defined his international ambition.
