Argentine Great Messi Quits International Football, Says ‘The Time Has Come’

Argentina legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the most remarkable careers in the history of the game.

The 39-year-old confirmed his decision on Monday, saying it was one that “hurt” deeply but that he understood “the time has come”.

Messi’s announcement ends a 21-year international career in which he became Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer. He finishes his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals for the national team. 

The decision comes after Messi led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. The tournament represented his sixth World Cup appearance and what proved to be his final major international campaign. 

In an emotional statement, Messi reflected on his enduring commitment to Argentina and said he had always given everything for the national team shirt.

He also acknowledged that a new generation of players was emerging and deserved the opportunity to take Argentina forward.

Messi’s international journey began in 2005 and included years of heartbreak before he finally enjoyed sustained success with the Albiceleste.

He won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, while also helping Argentina win the Finalissima. He had previously won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2008. 

His World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 completed the major missing piece in his extraordinary career and cemented his status among football’s greatest players.

Messi subsequently helped Argentina reach another World Cup final in 2026, scoring eight goals during the tournament and taking his career World Cup tally to 21. 

His retirement also brings to an end an era in which Messi was the central figure of Argentine football, carrying the expectations of a football-mad nation while establishing himself as one of the most decorated players of all time.

After two decades of representing the national team, the captain will now watch Argentina from the sidelines.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come,” Messi said.