For more than two decades, soccer legend Lionel Messi carried Argentina’s hopes through crushing defeats, years of criticism and, finally, the victories that completed his international career. Now, the captain is saying goodbye.
Messi, 39, announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team on Monday, August 31, ending a 21-year run in the Albiceleste shirt.
What Did Lionel Messi Say About Retiring?
The soccer legend shared the decision in an emotional Instagram statement six weeks after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”
The announcement also came weeks after the death of his father and longtime manager, Jorge Messi. Jorge, 68, died on August 8 following a prolonged illness.
What Did Lionel Messi Accomplish With Argentina?
Messi’s international career included one of soccer’s greatest turnarounds. Critics once questioned whether his club success could ever translate to Argentina.
GettyHe answered by leading his country to the 2022 World Cup and back-to-back Copa América championships. Argentina then reached another World Cup final in 2026 before finishing runner-up to Spain, according to Fox Sports.
He exits as Argentina’s all-time leader in appearances and goals, a legacy few players can match.
“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” Messi wrote.
“I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
How Did Fans React to Lionel Messi’s Retirement?
GettySupporters filled the comments with gratitude and disbelief.
“Today and always, Lionel, thank you very much for such a nice trip. I’m leaving you, and we’ll miss you a lot. Eternally grateful 😢,” one fan wrote.
“Thank you, eternal skinny. Greatness and simplicity to retire to, as if you weren’t the greatest to ever play this sport,” another commented.
“The Best to ever play the game🤍🩵⚽️”, another fan shared.
Will Lionel Messi Continue Playing Club Soccer?
GettyMessi’s announcement applies only to Argentina, leaving his club future separate from Monday’s decision. One fan pleaded with him not to leave the sport entirely.
“The most poetic career comes to an end. A proper fairytale, written by God himself. Sometimes, it felt like a movie. When he lost those finals and retired that early, and then he came back and won literally everything there was. All I want to say is thank you, my idol, for everything. I knew this day was closer than ever when your father passed away. Just don’t stop playing completely, my love, because that’s what I’m not ready for 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺”
Messi did not announce his full retirement from soccer.
For Argentina supporters, however, his departure closes a generation-defining chapter built on perseverance, heartbreak and historic triumph.
