Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest careers in the history of the game.
The 39-year-old, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, leaves the national team as its record appearance-maker and goalscorer, with 125 goals in 207 matches.
Messi said the decision had been painful but that he felt he had given everything he could to Argentina.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,” he said. “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.
“I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.”
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Messi revealed that he had written his retirement message on 21 July, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final. The death of his father, Jorge, aged 68 after a long illness, had also prompted him to reconsider his future.
The decision marks the end of an international career that began in 2005 with a bizarre red card against Hungary. Messi went on to win the World Cup and two Copa América titles, eventually erasing memories of his earlier struggles on the international stage.
He briefly retired in 2016 after Argentina lost another Copa América final to Chile, but returned to lead his country to major honours.
Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists at the latest World Cup, taking his tournament tally to 21 goals. His 12 World Cup assists are also a record.
His club career will continue with Inter Miami, where he is contracted until the end of the 2028 season.
“Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years,” Messi told Argentina supporters. “I’m going to miss hearing you from the pitch so much.
“Now I’ll be just one of you, always cheering and supporting from the sidelines.”