It’s the end for Lionel Messi

• Lionel Messi is making history.
• A painful decision.
• Words of thanks.
• His international achievements.

A monumental chapter in soccer history has just come to a close. Lionel Messi took to Instagram to officially announce his retirement from the Argentine national team, bringing an end to a journey that spanned more than two decades.

At 39, the Argentine legend believes the time has come to make way for a new generation, just weeks after leading the Albiceleste to the 2026 World Cup final. It's an inevitably emotional decision for a man who has long maintained a relationship with his country's national team that has been as passionate as it has been tumultuous.

Over the years, Messi has become much more than just a star for Argentina. As captain, a role model, and the face of an entire generation, he has carried the hopes of millions of fans through the greatest moments of his career. His international career has seen disappointments, criticism, and moments of self-doubt, but also immense moments of joy.

His final chapter has, in fact, taken him to yet another World Cup final in 2026. Messi thus leaves the Albiceleste, leaving behind a colossal legacy and memories that will remain deeply rooted in the history of Argentine soccer.

A Painful Decision

This decision is obviously far from easy for Lionel Messi. In his message, the Argentine legend acknowledges that closing this chapter is deeply painful after more than 20 years dedicated to the national team.

Despite his immense attachment to the jersey, Messi feels he has now given his all and believes the time has come for a new generation to take center stage. An emotional farewell for Argentina.

“Time flies, chapters come to a close, and this one hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give. Moreover, there are some incredible young players coming up who deserve to be here,” Messi states at the beginning of his post.

A Note of Thanks

Messi also made a point of thanking everyone who has been by his side throughout this extraordinary journey. He highlighted the unwavering support of his family, as well as the importance of his coaches, teammates, and members of the national team.

He leaves the Albiceleste with memories he describes as unforgettable.

“Thank you for all the love I've received over the past 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you from the field tremendously. From now on, I'll simply be one of you, cheering on and supporting the team from the sidelines—in good times and bad, especially the bad ones. Thank you to my family for always being there and for accompanying me on this adventure, which has been as magnificent as it has been difficult. Thank you to all the coaches, teammates, and staff members with whom I've shared this journey. I'm leaving with unforgettable memories and moments,” concluded the soccer legend.

His Legendary International Career

Lionel Messi leaves Argentina with statistics that live up to his legend. Since his debut with the Albiceleste in 2005, he has played in 207 matches and scored 125 goals, becoming both the most-capped player and the top scorer in the national team's history.

He has also participated in six World Cups, playing 34 matches and scoring 21 goals in the prestigious tournament.

But his legacy is measured above all by his trophies. After several heartbreaking finals, Messi finally won the Copa América in 2021, followed by the Finalissima and the World Cup in 2022. He then added a second Copa América in 2024.

Added to these are an Olympic gold medal in 2008 and a U-20 World Cup title in 2005. An exceptional international career that has transformed Messi into a true icon of Argentine soccer.

Lionel Messi is thus leaving the Argentine national team just as he has always represented it: with emotion and a deep devotion to his country.

An extraordinary journey is coming to an end, but his legacy will remain forever etched in the history of the Albiceleste.

Enjoy your retirement, “Leo”!