Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing an emotional end to a remarkable 20-year international career. The 39-year-old captain said the death of his father has strengthened his decision to step away from international football after years of giving everything to the Argentine jersey.

Messi revealed that he had already been considering retirement following Argentina’s painful 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19. In an emotional statement, the football icon admitted that the decision had been difficult, but said he now believes the time has come to close the chapter. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment,” he said.

The Argentina captain also pointed to the emergence of a new generation of talented players as another reason for his decision. Messi said young players deserve the opportunity to represent the country, while reflecting on the highs and lows of his own journey. “I swear I always gave everything, not just the last few years when everything was won,” he said, adding that his greatest motivation had always been to make Argentinians proud.

Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s most decorated international player. During his extraordinary career, he helped the country win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, before guiding Argentina to another World Cup final in 2026. He also retires as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and assist provider.

The football legend said he would now support Argentina from the sidelines after spending two decades representing the national team. Messi revealed that he had written his farewell statement just two days after the 2026 World Cup final but delayed its release until now. “Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing from you from the inside a lot. Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside,” he said. He ended his emotional message with a final tribute to his country: “Thank you God for making me Argentine. Go Argentina!”