Nicolas MisculinSeptember 1, 2026 — 1:31amLionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, said on Monday in a post on Instagram that he would be leaving Argentina’s national team.“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. 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,” the 39-year-old posted on Instagram.“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you – alongside my teammates – moments we once only dreamed of,” he added.More to comeFrom our partners