On August 31, 2026, Lionel Messi published a post on Instagram in which he announced the end of his career with the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old captain wrote that the decision was difficult and still causes pain, but the time has come.
"I always gave everything, not only in recent years when we won everything, but also before. I always fought and gave 100% for this shirt," The Hindu quotes him as saying. He wrote the message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final.
In July, Argentina reached the World Cup final for the second consecutive time but lost to Spain. Messi, who led the team to victory in Qatar in 2022, scored eight goals and provided four assists in this tournament.
The decision was reinforced by the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in early August. The footballer noted that after this loss, he became even more confident in the correctness of his choice. He remains a player for Inter Miami in MLS.
For the Argentina national team, Messi played 207 matches and scored 125 goals — record numbers. He won the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles, and other trophies.
What now awaits Argentine football without its main hero?
Messi leaves at the peak of his glory, leaving behind not only trophies but also generations of players who grew up alongside him.
