Messi ends his Argentina journey after two decades

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 20‑year spell with Argentina to an emotional close. The 39‑year‑old said he reached the decision after reflecting on the World Cup final, admitting it “hurt deeply” but that he had “nothing more to give” to the national team. In a heartfelt message, Messi thanked supporters, coaches, team‑mates and his family, promising to continue cheering for Argentina “from the outside”. He also acknowledged that the emergence of new talent made stepping aside feel right.

Messi’s farewell emphasised his pride in delivering unforgettable moments, from long‑awaited titles to recent triumphs, and noted that failure in earlier years had shaped later success. He revealed he wrote his retirement message shortly after the final and said the recent passing of his father strengthened his conviction. After two decades of devotion, Messi leaves as Argentina’s most iconic and influential player.