Lionel Messi Retires From International Football, Citing Father's Death and Emotional World Cup Final Loss

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to Argentina's most decorated career more than a month after his final appearance in the 2026 World Cup final.

The 39-year-old shared the news on Instagram alongside a photo of a handwritten letter, revealing he had written the message on July 21, two days after the final, but held off announcing it. "After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the national team," Messi wrote. "It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, 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."

In a footnote, Messi revealed the death of his father Jorge Messi, who passed away on August 8 at the age of 68, had strengthened his resolve. "Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before," he wrote.

Messi leaves international football as Argentina's all-time leading scorer and the country's most successful player, having captained the side to the 2021 Copa America title, back-to-back Copa America glory in 2024, and the 2022 World Cup, ending a 36-year wait for the trophy. He added eight goals and two assists at this year's World Cup as Argentina reached the final before falling to Spain. It marks his second international retirement, having briefly stepped away in 2016 before being talked into a return weeks later. This time, with his playing career at Inter Miami still ongoing, the national team chapter appears definitively closed.