Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine soccer superstar, announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, concluding an illustrious 21-year career with the Argentina national team.
Why it matters: Messi's retirement marks the end of an era in soccer, as he leaves behind a legacy defined by unparalleled achievements and emotional highs and lows, including a World Cup victory in 2022.
Messi retires as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, having played 207 matches for the national team.
He is considered one of the greatest players of all time, often compared to legends like Diego Maradona and Pelé.
The announcement comes shortly after Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, where Messi struggled to make an impact.
Messi's father, Jorge Messi, passed away on August 8, 2026, which influenced his decision to retire.
Driving the news: Messi shared his retirement news via a heartfelt Instagram post, stating, "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." He described the decision as deeply painful yet necessary.
He expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, saying, "I always gave everything, the last few years where everything was won, and before that."
The 39-year-old continues to play professionally for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.
Messi's international career included one World Cup win in 2022, two runners-up medals in 2014 and 2026, and two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
He won the Golden Ball as the top player in the 2014 and 2022 World Cups and in the 2015 and 2021 Copa América tournaments.
State of play: Messi's departure from the national team comes after a tumultuous period, both on and off the field. Following the World Cup final loss, Messi faced personal tragedy with the death of his father.
Messi penned his retirement statement on July 21, 2026, just two days after the World Cup final, but delayed its release due to his father's declining health.
In his statement, Messi conveyed his emotional struggles, stating, "I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to go on. I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer."
The announcement has sparked widespread reactions from fans and fellow players, highlighting the impact Messi has had on the sport.
His retirement follows a previous brief retirement in 2016, which he reversed after public outcry and support from fans and fellow players.
The big picture: Messi’s international career has been a rollercoaster ride filled with triumphs and trials. His contributions have not only elevated Argentina's standing in world soccer but have also inspired countless fans globally.
He is regarded as a sports icon and as a cultural figure, embodying the hopes and dreams of Argentine soccer fans.
Messi's record includes 98 goals and 38 assists in 142 matches, solidifying his status as one of the most prolific players in South American soccer history.
His success with Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami has kept him in the spotlight, even as he steps away from the international stage.
Messi's legacy will be defined by his ability to perform under pressure, particularly during key tournaments where he consistently delivered standout performances.
What they're saying: The soccer community has reacted with an outpouring of love and respect for Messi following his announcement.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni remarked, "He is pure history, a legend."
Fans and fellow players took to social media to express their gratitude for Messi's contributions to the sport.
Many commentators praised Messi for his humility and dedication, emphasizing the emotional weight of his retirement announcement.
Messi's statement resonated deeply with fans, as he expressed his intent to continue supporting the national team as a passionate fan.
By the numbers: Messi's statistics provide a glimpse into his remarkable career.
He played 207 matches for Argentina, scoring 125 goals, making him the top scorer in the nation's history.
Messi participated in six World Cups, tying the record for the most appearances in the tournament.
He won the World Cup once and finished as runner-up twice, along with two Copa América titles and three runner-up finishes.
Messi is a record eight-time world player of the year, underscoring his dominance in the sport.
What's next: As Messi transitions away from international play, the focus shifts to his continued career at the club level.
He remains a key player for Inter Miami CF, where he has made a substantial impact since joining in 2023.
Fans will eagerly await to see how he adapts to this new phase of his career, especially following his recent performances in Major League Soccer.
Messi's legacy in international soccer is secure, but his future in club football will be closely watched as he navigates this chapter.
As he stated in his retirement message, Messi plans to support the Argentina national team from the sidelines, indicating his enduring connection to the sport.