Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after a 21-year career with Argentina that included a World Cup triumph and two Copa America titles.

The 39-year-old confirmed his decision on Monday, weeks after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Messi described the decision as painful but said he believed the time had come to step away.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” he wrote on Instagram.

Messi calls time on Argentina career

Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 after being called up by coach Jose Nestor Pekerman as an 18-year-old.

He went on to make 207 appearances and scored 125 goals, becoming Argentina’s leading scorer.

His international career peaked when Argentina defeated France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final in Doha.

Messi also helped his country win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.

At the 2026 World Cup, he scored eight goals and provided two assists as Argentina reached another final.

However, Spain ended Argentina’s hopes of consecutive World Cup titles with a 1-0 victory.

World Cup defeat brought heartbreak

Messi was pictured in tears after receiving his runners-up medal following the defeat.

He later described the pain of losing the final as “immense” and said the disappointment would take time to heal.

In his retirement statement, Messi said he had given everything to Argentina throughout his international career.

He also said it was time for a new generation of players to take responsibility for the national team.

“I love, I loved, and I will always love being on the national team,” Messi wrote.

Tributes pour in for Messi

FIFA president Gianni Infantino described Messi as one of football’s greatest players and thanked him for the joy he had given fans.

Argentina President Javier Milei also paid tribute, posting: “Thank you very much, incredible man.”

Former Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria thanked Messi for choosing to represent Argentina when he could have played for Spain.

Messi remains contracted to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season.