‘Nothing More to Give’: Lionel Messi Retires From International Football

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in the history of the game.

The 39-year-old Argentina captain made the announcement on Monday, saying the decision was painful but necessary after years of representing his country at the highest level.

Messi said he had reflected extensively following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain before deciding that the time had come to step away from the national team.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi said in a statement.

The forward said he had always given everything for Argentina, insisting that his commitment extended beyond the period in which the team enjoyed its greatest successes.

“I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he said.

Messi’s international career reached its greatest achievement in 2022 when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, defeating France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final.

Four years later, Argentina again reached the World Cup final but suffered a 1-0 defeat against Spain, ending their hopes of retaining the trophy.

Messi acknowledged that his decision was particularly difficult because of his enduring love for the national team. He said there was now limited time remaining in his career and that different chapters were beginning to close.

“I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team,” he said. “I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.”

The announcement also comes after the death of Messi’s father, Jorge, in August. The football star had previously admitted that the loss had left him questioning how much longer he wanted to continue playing football.

Messi’s departure marks the end of an era for Argentina, where he became the country’s most recognisable football figure and helped deliver major international honours after years of disappointment.

He also praised the next generation of Argentine players, saying several young talents were emerging who deserved opportunities with the national team.

At club level, Messi remains contracted to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season.