…Argentina’s soccer legend Lionel Messi announced he will be retiring from the international stage in an Instagram post on Monday after 20 years representing his country
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national soccer team in an Instagram post Monday, after over two decades representing his country on the international stage.
In the post, Messi wrote originally in Spanish, “After the time that passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to communicate to everyone that I am retiring from the national team.”
A footnote in the post’s caption revealed Messi originally wrote the announcement two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain in July’s World Cup final match, and after mourning the loss of his father Jorge Messi who died on Aug. 8, he is “more convinced than ever” that it is time to take a step back from the international pitch.
Messi’s 20-year career for La Albiceleste saw 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 matches, giving him the title of highest-scoring man in South American soccer history, but his time with the national team got off to a rocky start.
Early in his career, Messi was known for leading his national team to major finals, such as the Copa América and World Cup finals, only to lose. After his third Copa América loss to Chile in the final match in 2016, a match that included a penalty shootout miss by Messi, he announced his retirement. In his announcement, Messi said, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion. … It was the thing I wanted the most but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over. I think this is best for everyone.”
Messi reversed the decision after a few weeks, leading his team to back-to-back Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024 after a 28-year trophy drought. The Argentine captain also led his team to the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, securing the nation’s first World Cup trophy in 36 years.
This summer’s World Cup showed Messi could not be slowed down by his veteran status. Messi’s eight goals were second only to France’s Kylian Mbappé in the race for the golden boot, a trophy awarded to the player with the most goals in the tournament. On top of those eight goals, Messi had four assists throughout the tournament.
While Messi is retiring from the Argentina national soccer team, this is not the last time he will be seen taking to the pitch. Messi will continue to play club soccer for Inter Miami. His contract with the MLS team runs through the 2028 season. He currently leads the league with 18 goals scored.
The Argentine federation is expected to conduct a tribute match for Messi in the coming months in honor of his retirement.
