Won 2022 World Cup, finished runner-up this year — ending 20-year international career

'I will forever support the team as a fan'

Lionel Messi [AP]
Lionel Messi [AP]

Lionel Messi, 39, has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. The player widely regarded as the greatest of all time scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for his country since his senior debut in 2005, leading Argentina to a World Cup title before hanging up the national jersey.

Messi made the announcement Monday (local time) on his social media accounts. "Now that some time has passed since the World Cup final, and after much reflection, I want to share the news of my retirement," he wrote.

"It is a painful, deeply painful decision, but I know the time has come to step away," he said. "I loved every single moment of being part of this team, and I will love it now and forever."

He added, "I gave everything I had, and there is nothing left in me to give."

This is not the first time Messi has announced his international retirement. He stepped away from the national team after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final, only to reverse course following an outpouring of support from fans and a personal appeal from the country's president.

After returning, Messi delivered the World Cup title Argentina had long sought. At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he scored seven goals and added three assists to bring his country its first championship in 36 years. He also claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player — his second, after winning the award at the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

Messi continued to shine at this year's North and Central America World Cup. At 39, he guided Argentina to the final once more, though the title eluded him.

Worn down by a string of extra-time matches from the round of 16 onward, Argentina fell to Spain 1-0 in the final and settled for the runner-up spot. That match proved to be the last World Cup game Messi would play in an Argentina shirt.

Since his senior debut in 2005, Messi made 207 appearances for Argentina and scored 125 goals — both all-time records for the national team.

At the World Cup, he won the title in 2022 and finished runner-up in 2014 and 2026. He also claimed the Ballon d'Or a record eight times, cementing his place in football history.

Messi also offered a farewell to the fans who had supported him throughout his more than two decades with the national team.

"I am truly grateful for the love you have shown me over the past 20 years," he said. "I will deeply miss those moments of hearing your voices roar inside the stadium."

"From now on, I will be cheering for the team forever from the outside, as one fan among you all," he continued. "I leave with deep relief and pride at having been able to give you dreamlike moments. It made me truly happy to share all of this with you. I love you."


sjy@heraldcorp.com