Lionel Messi announced Monday his retirement from international soccer, concluding a storied career with the Argentine national team. The decision comes after a career that began in 2005 and saw him become Argentina's all-time leading goal scorer with 98 international goals.
Messi stated that the decision was deeply felt but that he understood the time was right. "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," he said in a statement posted on Instagram.
Considered one of the greatest players in the sport's history, Messi was instrumental in Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup victory. He also led the team to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they ultimately fell to Spain in extra time. His international career also includes two Copa América titles.
Messi's individual accolades on the international stage are extensive, including the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2014 and 2022, the Silver Ball in 2026, and the Silver Boot in 2022.
While his international career has concluded, Messi continues to play at a high level in Major League Soccer. He joined Inter Miami in 2023 and quickly made an impact, scoring 20 goals in his first full season in 2024 and 29 goals in 2025, leading the team to an MLS Cup championship. He is currently leading MLS with 18 goals this season, and Inter Miami holds second place in the Eastern Conference.