<h1><br></h1><p>The 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday, August 31, 2026, through an emotional statement published on his official Instagram account. His decision has been independently confirmed by Reuters, the Associated Press and other major international news organisations.</p><p>Messi clarified that he was stepping away from the Argentina national team rather than retiring from professional football altogether. He is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.</p><p>In his statement, Messi said the decision was difficult and painful but that he believed the time had come to end his international career.</p><p>The announcement brings the curtain down on one of the most successful international careers in football history.</p><p>Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to represent the country across six World Cup tournaments. His greatest achievement came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he captained Argentina to the title and was named the tournament's best player.</p><p>He also helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, establishing himself as the country's most decorated and influential footballer of his generation.</p><p>Messi's final World Cup appearance came at the 2026 tournament, where Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain. According to the player's statement, he had already written his retirement message two days after that final.</p><p>He subsequently said that developments following the death of his father further strengthened his decision to leave international football.</p><p>Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer. He accumulated more than 200 international appearances and scored more than 120 goals during his career with the Albiceleste.</p><p>In his farewell message, Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates, officials and supporters for their backing throughout his two decades with the national team.</p><p>He also praised the emerging generation of Argentine players, saying young talents were ready to take greater responsibility for the national team.</p><p>Messi's departure marks the end of an extraordinary era for Argentina. His international career included years of disappointment before finally producing major silverware, culminating in the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and another Copa América triumph in 2024.</p><p>Although his Argentina career is now over, Messi's playing career is not. The football icon remains contracted to Inter Miami, meaning supporters could still see him compete at club level.</p><p>His retirement from international football nevertheless represents a major moment in the sport, ending the Argentina chapter of a career that established Messi among the greatest footballers of all time.</p><p>Photo courtesy: Lionel Messi</p>