Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina Duty, Says He Has ‘Nothing Left to Give’

Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in Argentina's history.

The 39-year-old forward said the decision was painful but acknowledged that he had reached the point where it was time to close the chapter.

Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its record goalscorer and most-capped player, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals.

In his farewell message, Messi said he had given everything he could to Argentina and believed the time had come to make way for a younger generation.

The announcement comes after a career that finally delivered Argentina its biggest international prize. Messi captained the team to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, adding the trophy that had eluded him for much of his career.

A Career Filled With Historic Achievements

Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 against Hungary. His first appearance lasted less than two minutes after he was sent off following an incident with defender Vilmos Vanczak.

That difficult beginning proved to be an exception in what became an extraordinary international career.

Messi went on to win the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles with Argentina. He also became one of the most productive players in World Cup history.

He has scored 21 World Cup goals, putting him second on the all-time list behind Kylian Mbappé.

His 125 international goals also place him second among men's international scorers, behind Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi Had Retired Before

This is not the first time Messi has announced an international retirement.

In 2016, he stepped away from Argentina duty after the team lost the Copa América final to Chile. Messi missed his penalty during the shootout, with the defeat extending Argentina's run of disappointment in major finals.

He later reversed his decision and returned to the national team.

That comeback ultimately led to the most successful period of his international career, including Copa América triumphs and the long-awaited World Cup victory.

Father’s Death Influenced Decision

Messi said he had written his retirement message on July 21, shortly after Argentina's defeat by Spain in the World Cup final.

He also revealed that the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, strengthened his decision. Jorge Messi died aged 68 after a long illness.

Messi said the personal loss had made him even more certain that the time had arrived to end his international career.

Club Career Will Continue

Although Messi is leaving international football, his playing career is not over.

The Argentine star remains with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where his current contract runs through the end of the 2028 season.

That means supporters in the United States could still have several years to watch Messi at club level.

There has also been longstanding speculation about whether Messi could eventually return to Argentina to finish his career with Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario club he supported and represented as a youngster.

For now, however, there is no indication that such a move is imminent. Messi's future will likely remain with Inter Miami unless he decides otherwise.

The End of an Era for Argentina

Messi's retirement marks the conclusion of an international journey that lasted more than two decades.

From a teenager sent off on his debut to the captain who lifted the World Cup, his Argentina career contained disappointment, criticism, redemption and ultimately unprecedented success.

His final international chapter closes with extraordinary numbers and a collection of major trophies that places him among the greatest players the sport has ever produced.

Messi said he would now watch Argentina from the sidelines, supporting the team as a fan rather than leading it on the pitch.

For Argentina supporters, the departure means the end of an era defined by one of football's most recognisable players.