See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER Published: 16:15 BST, 31 August 2026 | Updated: 16:25 BST, 31 August 2026
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football following Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final to Spain last month.The 39-year-old revealed on Monday afternoon that he made the decision to retire two days after the 1-0 defeat in the final on 19 July , citing it was 'the right' time'.Messi then added in a note at the bottom of his statement that the death of his father Jorge at the start of the month made him 'even more convinced than before' about his decision.In a statement on Instagram he wrote: 'After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team…'It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, to my core, but I understand that it's the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football.'There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I've given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.'Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you all from the inside so much. Now I'm going to be just one of you, cheering and supporting you from the sidelines (in good times and bad, even more so). 'Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to each and every one of the coaches, teammates, and managers I had the privilege of working with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.'I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, along with my teammates, dreamlike moments. It was incredible to have experienced it with you all. I love you!'Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian. Go Argentina!' More to follow.
