Lionel Messi Retires from the Argentina National Team

By Rusia Today

Argentine star Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the national team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, bringing an end to his historic international career.

Argentine star Lionel Messi announced on Monday his retirement from La Albiceleste, six weeks after losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

“It was a decision that hurt and hurts in the soul, but I understand that it is the moment. I swear to you that I always gave everything, not only in recent years when everything was won, but also before, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through soccer,” he said.

In a handwritten text uploaded to Instagram, the Barcelona legend hinted that he is also close to hanging up his boots completely. “There is little left and stages are closing, and this is one that hurts me a lot,” he stated.

“I love, loved, and will always love being in the national team. I emptied myself, I have no more to give, and besides, very great young players are coming behind who deserve to be here. Thank you for all the love over these 20 years,” he added.

The Argentine forward also noted that he made the decision just two days after the World Cup final. “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than before,” he affirmed, referring to the recent passing of Jorge Messi.

“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!” he highlighted.

By playing in this year's final, Messi tied another legend, Brazil's Marcos Evangelista de Moraes, known as Cafú, as the second soccer player in history to play in three World Cup finals, becoming, in addition, the oldest outfield player to participate in a championship-defining match.

The first was at Brazil 2014, at the Maracanã stadium, when Argentina faced Germany and lost 1-0 in extra time after a hard-fought match in which they also had chances to win.

The long-awaited star came at Qatar 2022, in one of the best finals remembered in World Cup history, where after a goal-filled match that went to extra time, the title was decided by penalties.

His career, full of records with La Albiceleste, also yields an era of success, as apart from the consecration in Qatar, Messi captained the victories in the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, in addition to the 2022 Finalissima.