Lionel Messi has officially ended his Argentina career after a remarkable two-decade journey with the national team, bringing an era of international football to a close.

The 39-year-old forward finishes his career with 207 appearances for Argentina. Since making his senior debut in 2005, Messi has become the country’s record goalscorer and assist provider while collecting some of the biggest trophies available in international football.

Messi’s decision follows Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. In a social media post, he revealed that he had already made the decision shortly after the tournament, writing his retirement statement on July 21, two days after the final.

“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 post read.

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The death of his father, Jorge, also played a role in confirming his decision. Messi had previously admitted that he was uncertain about continuing with Argentina following the tournament.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here,” he added.

Messi’s Argentina career includes Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He also leaves international football after reaching the 2026 World Cup final, adding another significant chapter to a career that transformed his relationship with Argentina.

Although his international journey began with years of disappointment, Messi ultimately delivered the trophies his country had long craved before deciding that the time had come to step away.



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