‘I wrote these words two days after the final’: Messi’s emotional Instagram post on retirement

Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, bringing the curtain down on a two-decade journey with the national team in an emotional message posted on Instagram.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami star said he had spent considerable time reflecting on the decision since Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain and concluded that it was time to step away.

"After all this time since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I am retiring from the national team…"

Messi said the decision was painful but insisted he had always given everything for the Argentina shirt, including during the difficult years before the team's recent run of major successes.

"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come. I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won it all, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football."

The Argentina captain said he felt a chapter of his career had reached its end and that younger players now deserved an opportunity.

"There is little time left, and chapters are coming to an end, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved and will always love being with the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more to give. And besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve to be there."

Messi thanked Argentine supporters for their affection throughout his 20 years with the national team, saying he would now back the team from outside as a fan.

"Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from inside the stadium very much. Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside — in good times and bad, even more so."

He also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials who accompanied him throughout his international career.

"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and official I had the chance to share this journey with. I will take with me unforgettable memories and moments."

Messi said he was leaving with pride over the memories he created with Argentina alongside his teammates.

"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dream moments. It was crazy to have lived it all with you. I love you!"

He ended his message by expressing his pride in representing Argentina.

"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

Let's go, Argentina!"

Messi added a personal note explaining that he had written the retirement message shortly after the World Cup final and that a recent event involving his father had strengthened his decision.

"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than ever."

Messi's retirement closes an extraordinary international career that saw him lead Argentina to the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He had previously announced his retirement from international football after Argentina's 2016 Copa América final defeat before returning to the national team.

His final appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, bringing an end to one of the longest and most celebrated international careers in football history.