The short version
- Lionel Messi has officially retired from playing for the Argentina national team after twenty years of service.
- The announcement follows a loss to Spain in the World Cup final and the recent death of his father.
- Messi remains active with Inter Miami, where he continues to perform at a high level in Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international soccer, bringing an end to a twenty-year career representing Argentina. The decision was made public on Monday through a personal message posted on social media, marking the conclusion of a tenure that included record-breaking achievements and significant emotional weight for the player and his supporters.
The timing of the announcement is closely linked to recent events both on and off the field. Messi revealed that he drafted his retirement letter shortly after the World Cup final in July. However, he chose to delay its publication due to serious health concerns regarding his father, Jorge Messi. His father passed away in early August in their hometown of Rosario, a loss that deeply affected the player during this transitional period.
The immediate catalyst for stepping away from national team duties was Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final held in New Jersey. The team lost to Spain with a score of 1-0 after extra time, a goal scored by Ferran Torres. This result ended Messi’s run as the captain of the squad that had previously secured victory in Qatar in 2022. Despite the loss, Messi maintained a strong presence throughout the tournament, playing in all eight matches and scoring eight goals.
His performance in the recent World Cup placed him just one goal behind Kylian Mbappé of France for the tournament’s top scorer title. Over the course of his international career, Messi has established himself as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals. Of those, twenty-one were scored during World Cup competitions, highlighting his consistent impact on the biggest stage in soccer.
Messi’s journey with the national team has been defined by both triumph and prolonged frustration. He made his debut in 2006 but faced years of disappointment before finally winning major titles. A decade ago, following a penalty shootout loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa América final, he briefly retired from international play. That period of withdrawal preceded a resurgence that led to World Cup glory and subsequent Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024.
In his farewell message, Messi expressed deep emotion regarding the decision, noting that it remains painful but necessary. He emphasized his lifelong commitment to giving his all for the national jersey, aiming to bring pride and joy to Argentine fans through his performances. He thanked supporters for their love over the past two decades and indicated he would now join them as a spectator, continuing to support the team from the stands.
Despite ending his international career, Messi has not retired from professional soccer entirely. He continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he remains a central figure. Recently, he demonstrated his ongoing form by scoring four goals in a decisive 7-1 victory over CF Montreal. As the two-time defending Most Valuable Player of the league and a key player for the reigning champions, he shows no signs of slowing down at the club level.
The announcement leaves open questions regarding how long Messi intends to continue playing professionally. While his international chapter is closed, his future with Inter Miami remains active. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has praised Messi as a historical figure and legend, acknowledging the immense contribution the player has made to the sport. The transition marks the end of an era for Argentine soccer, but the player’s influence on the game persists through his continued club performances.
The broader context of this retirement includes the evolving landscape of international soccer, where veteran stars are increasingly balancing national duties with club commitments. Messi’s decision reflects a personal reckoning after achieving his primary goals with the national team. His legacy is now secured as one of the most decorated players in history, having overcome early setbacks to deliver multiple major trophies to Argentina.
As fans and analysts process the news, the focus shifts to how the Argentine national team will navigate the post-Messi era. The departure of their long-time leader creates a significant void in both leadership and offensive production. Meanwhile, Messi’s continued success in Major League Soccer underscores his enduring ability to perform at an elite level, even as he steps back from the pressures of international competition.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- NPR↗Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing internationally for Argentina
- PBS NewsHour↗Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing for Argentina
