Lionel Messi retires from international football

Argentina's Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football.

Posting on his Instagram account today, the World Cup winner said: "After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team.

"It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come."

Messi recently raised "serious doubts" over his footballing future while paying tribute to his father, Jorge Messi, who died earlier this month.

Messi posted the retirement message with a picture of a handwritten letter, with the text in the caption, where he added that he initially wrote his announcement two days after this year's World Cup final.

"Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever", he added.

While Spain won the 2026 final, Messi cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever footballers by leading Argentina to victory against France in 2022.

Making his first appearance for the senior men's national team in 2005, Messi is the all-time leading goalscorer for Argentina, with 125 to his name.

He's also the most-capped player in the country's history, with 207 appearances, winning the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, as well as the Finalissima against Italy in 2022 along the way.

Messi also previously retired from international football in 2016 after losing to Chile on penalties in that year's Copa America final, telling reporters at the time, "it's been four finals, and I was not able to win".

He returned after widespread public calls inside the country for him to reverse his decision - including by Argentina legend Diego Maradona and then-Argentinian president Mauricio Macri.

Read more from 2022: The rest of Messi's career will play out with satisfaction

Responding to Messi's announcement, Argentina's men's national team said: "Eternal thanks, Leo. We will love you until the end of our days."

In his post on Instagram on Monday, Messi added: "I swear to you that I always gave it my all - not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too.

"I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team.

"I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.

"Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I'll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad - especially the bad)."

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(c) Sky News 2026: Lionel Messi retires from international football