Breaking: Lionel Messi retires from international football at 39

Lionel Messi has announced his decision to retire from international football with Argentina after making 207 appearances for the national team.

The 39-year-old forward made his Argentina debut in 2005 and enjoyed a highly successful international career. He led the country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and also helped Argentina win two Copa América trophies.

Messi also finished as a World Cup runner-up in 2014 and 2026.

Explaining his decision, the Inter Miami star said he had reached the end of his journey with the national team after giving everything to the country over the years.

“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.

“Time is fleeting, chapters come to an end, and this is one that deeply affects me. I love, have loved, and will always cherish being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to offer, and moreover, there are some exceptional young players emerging who deserve this opportunity.”

Messi also revealed that the death of his father, Jorge, earlier this month made him question whether he should continue representing Argentina.

The forward further reflected on Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain in July, admitting that his physical condition affected his ability to continue playing.

“My legs could no longer continue,” he said. “This time I attempted to push myself beyond my physical limits, but I was unable to.”

Messi will now focus on his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028.

His retirement brings an end to one of the most decorated international careers in football history, marked by World Cup and Copa América success with Argentina.