Football sensation Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to FIFA 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.
Messi, 39, shared the emotional announcement in a social media statement, revealing that he had spent significant time reflecting following Argentina’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come,” Messi posted on Instagram. “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 footbal.l”
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of,” he concluded.
Messi’s decision follows Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Though the tournament ended short of ultimate glory, it capped another stellar chapter for a player who defined a generation of South American and global football.
