Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39. The decision marks the end of an era for Argentina, but also for FC Barcelona supporters, as the Argentine legend built the vast majority of his extraordinary career with the Catalan club.
A few weeks after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Messi decided to bring an end to more than 20 years with the Albiceleste. He leaves the national team with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
Messi closes another chapter after Barcelona
For Barcelona supporters, the announcement carries particular significance. A product of La Masia, Lionel Messi embodied Barça for nearly two decades before leaving in 2021. With the Catalan club, he became one of the greatest players in football history, winning several Champions League titles, numerous La Liga trophies and multiple Ballon d’Or awards. His departure from Barcelona had already represented a huge turning point, and his international retirement now brings him another step closer to the definitive end of his legendary career.
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In his statement, Lionel Messi explained that he had thought long and hard before making the decision. “It is a decision that hurt me and still hurts me deep in my soul, but I understand that the time has come.” The former Barça number 10 also believes he has nothing more to give to the national team and wants to make room for the next generation. “I gave everything I had, I have nothing more to offer, and there are also some great young players coming through who deserve their place.”
For years, Messi’s international career was compared with his extraordinary achievements at Barcelona, with critics pointing to his lack of a major trophy with Argentina. He ultimately silenced those doubts by winning the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022 and, above all, the 2022 World Cup, as well as Olympic gold in 2008. After leaving Barcelona in 2021, he spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami. His retirement from Argentina does not yet mean the end of his club career, but it brings world football closer to saying a final farewell to an icon who defined an entire generation and who will forever remain one of Barcelona’s greatest legends.
