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Lionel Messi has officially brought the curtain down on his legendary international career after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat in the World Cup final. The 39-year-old great, widely regarded as the finest player ever to step onto a football pitch, confirmed the decision in an emotional statement that marks the end of a two-decade journey with the Albiceleste.

An emotional farewell to the Albiceleste

In a moment that has sent shockwaves across the football world, Messi confirmed that he will no longer wear the famous blue-and-white shirt of his national side. The announcement came after Argentina’s narrow 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final, a match that became the closing chapter of his international story.

Sharing the news with his millions of followers, the Rosario-born star spoke about how difficult the decision had been. In a statement, Messi said: "After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come."

Reflecting on a record-breaking career

Messi’s exit brings to an end a statistical era that may never be surpassed by another Argentine footballer. Across an international career lasting more than 20 years, he made 207 appearances, putting him second on the all-time list for men’s international caps.

His scoring numbers are just as remarkable, with 125 goals for Argentina. Even as he steps away from the international stage, his departure leaves a void that cannot truly be filled in a squad he captained with distinction through both glory and adversity.

The forward was especially moving when speaking about the legacy he leaves and the young talent ready to take over. He continued: "There is little left and stages are closing and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved and I will always love being in the National Team. I emptied myself, I have no more to give and besides, very great kids are coming up behind who deserve to be there. Thank you for all the love of these 20 years. I am going to miss hearing you from inside very much."

A legacy of silverware and glory

Although the final defeat to Spain was a painful way to finish, Messi’s international legacy had already been firmly secured in 2022 when he captained Argentina to their third World Cup crown in Qatar. His displays in that tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award, an honour he had also received in 2014 when Argentina reached the final in Brazil.

Apart from the World Cup, Messi played a key role in ending Argentina’s long wait for major silverware by winning the Copa America in 2021, before following that up with victory in the Finalissima at Wembley.

An unforgettable journey

The Inter Miami star also took time to thank everyone who stood by him throughout the journey, saying: "Thanks to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this very beautiful but difficult journey. Thanks to each of the coaches, teammates and directors that I got to share with. I take away unforgettable memories and moments lived. I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dream moments. It was crazy to have lived it with you. I love you! Thank you God for making me Argentine. Let’s go Argentina!"

In a final note attached to his retirement message, Messi revealed that he had in fact taken the decision shortly after the tournament ended, but personal circumstances had only made him surer of it. He added: "These words I wrote on July 21, two days after the final. Today after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than before."