Lionel Messi has officially said goodbye to Argentina. The 39-year-old soccer star announced his retirement from international football on August 31, ending a 21-year run with the national team that has cemented his status as what many dub “the greatest of all time” in football.
Messi shared the news through a handwritten emotional letter on Instagram. “It is a decision that hurts me, that hurts my soul, but I understand that the time has come,” he wrote in Spanish. He added, “I have emptied myself, I have nothing more to give,” while acknowledging that younger players now deserve their opportunity with the national team.
The decision came after considerable reflection following Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup final loss against Spain. Messi wrote that he had actually composed the farewell letter on July 21, two days after the final, then became even more convinced of his decision after the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi. His final tournament with Argentina still produced eight goals and took his international tally to 125 goals in 207 appearances.
The announcement prompted an immediate wave of tributes. Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia called Messi a living legend, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino thanked him for the joy he brought to millions. Teammates including Enzo Fernández, Lautaro Martínez and Rodrigo De Paul also shared emotional messages. The AFA has since announced that domestic matches across Argentina will pause during the 10th minute this weekend for a tribute to Messi.
Messi leaves Argentina as its most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. He won the 2008 Olympic gold medal, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 World Cup, the trophy that completed his international redemption after years of heartbreak. His club career brought 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies with Barcelona, followed by spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. He also holds a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, leaving behind a career that has shaped modern football for more than two decades.