Lionel Messi has announced that he will step away from international football with Argentina, admitting that the decision is painful but believing the moment has finally arrived.
The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar in 2022, leaves the national team as its record appearance holder and leading goalscorer. He has scored 125 goals across 207 international appearances.
Messi explained that he has given everything possible to Argentina but now believes there is little more he can contribute.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said the passage of time had made the decision unavoidable. While ending his international career is difficult emotionally, he also believes the emergence of talented younger players makes this an appropriate moment for them to receive greater opportunities.
Messi revealed that he had already written his retirement message on 21 July, two days after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain.
The death of his father, Jorge, who passed away aged 68 following a prolonged illness, also influenced his thinking.
Messi later said that what happened with his father had strengthened his belief that retiring from international football was the right decision.
His playing career will continue at club level. Messi remains under contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami until the conclusion of the 2028 season.
Messi’s Argentina Journey Began in 2005
Messi’s first appearance for Argentina came in 2005 during a friendly against Hungary.
He entered the match from the bench in the 63rd minute, but his international debut lasted less than a minute before he received a straight red card. His arm and elbow made contact with Hungary defender Vilmos Vanczak.
It was an extraordinary beginning to a career that would eventually establish Messi among the greatest players in international football history.
Over the years, Messi helped Argentina win the Copa America twice before finally reaching the ultimate prize with their World Cup triumph in Qatar.
His goalscoring record is equally remarkable.
Messi has scored 21 times at World Cup finals, placing him second on the all-time list behind France forward Kylian Mbappe, who has 22.
In international football overall, Messi’s 125 goals put him second behind longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, who has 146.
A World Cup Record That May Stand for Years
Messi’s influence at the World Cup extends well beyond his goals.
He has provided 12 assists across his World Cup career, including 10 during knockout-stage matches. No other player in the available record has more than eight total World Cup assists.
At this summer’s tournament, Messi contributed eight goals and four assists.
His performances continued to underline his importance to Argentina even in the later stages of his career.
However, his decision to retire from international football is not entirely unexpected.
Messi previously announced his retirement from Argentina duty in 2016 after another heartbreaking Copa America final defeat against Chile.
He missed his penalty during the shootout as Argentina suffered their fourth major final defeat in nine years.
Despite the disappointment, Messi eventually reversed that decision and returned to represent his country.
This time, his decision appears more final.
Messi Leaves Argentina With Pride
In his farewell message, Messi thanked Argentina’s supporters for the love they had shown him throughout his international career.
After more than 20 years representing the national team, he reflected on the memories created with his team-mates and the remarkable moments they had shared.
For Messi, winning the World Cup transformed his international legacy.
For many years, he had faced criticism and disappointment whenever Argentina fell short in major tournaments. The triumph in Qatar finally provided the trophy that had eluded him for much of his career.
Now, Messi believes the national team should begin looking towards the future.
A new generation of Argentine players is emerging, and Messi feels they deserve the opportunity to establish themselves on the international stage.
His departure therefore marks not only the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one for Argentina.
Could Messi Return to Argentina Before Retiring?
One possibility that has repeatedly surrounded Messi is a return to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, before he ends his playing career.
A move back to Argentina would provide a romantic conclusion to his journey, but several factors could influence that decision.
One concern is the prospect of moving his family back to Rosario. The city has faced security challenges, and Messi’s immense popularity could make a return particularly demanding for his family.
Former team-mate Angel Di Maria has already returned to his hometown club Rosario Central, showing that a high-profile return to Argentine football can happen.
There is also the question of whether Messi would still find the level of competition in Argentina sufficiently appealing.
A short spell at Newell’s, perhaps involving only a limited number of appearances, could offer a memorable ending to his career. Messi has previously spoken about the possibility of returning to the club.
However, Inter Miami currently appears to be the more likely destination for the remainder of his career.
Inter Miami Could Be Messi’s Final Club
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami currently runs until the end of 2028.
Whether he actually remains on the pitch for the entire length of that agreement is another matter.
At this stage of his career, Messi is in a position where he can decide when the time is right to stop playing.
If his motivation changes before 2028, he could choose to retire earlier.
For now, Inter Miami supporters have the opportunity to enjoy the final years of one of football’s most influential players.
Messi’s international career has featured almost every possible emotion: an unexpectedly difficult debut, major tournament heartbreak, personal milestones, historic victories and ultimately World Cup glory.
After 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, the curtain is now coming down on that extraordinary international chapter.
For Argentina, replacing Messi will be an enormous challenge.
For football fans around the world, his decision represents another significant moment in the closing stages of one of the game’s greatest careers.
The next chapter will be written at club level, with Inter Miami supporters hoping to enjoy as much of Messi’s brilliance as possible before he eventually decides that his playing days are over.
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