Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team after 20 years
Lionel Messi, the former captain of Argentina's national football team, announced his retirement from international play on Monday, August 31, 2026, via his Instagram account. After two decades with the Albiceleste, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner stated that he has "given everything" for his country and that the decision, though painful, is timely. Messi expressed that he has "nothing left to give" and believes a new generation deserves to take over. He reflected on his commitment to the national jersey, always striving to bring joy and pride to Argentinians through football. Messi acknowledged the difficulty of closing this chapter, stating that he wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final, and is even more convinced of his decision following an event concerning his father. He thanked fans for their affection over 20 years and promised to continue supporting the team from the outside, both in good times and bad. He also paid tribute to his family, coaches, teammates, and management for their support throughout his international career, cherishing unforgettable memories and moments he shared with his teammates.
