Lionel Messi announced on August 31 that he is retiring from the Argentine national team after 21 years. The announcement came via a letter posted on social media.
Messi, who turned 39 in June, said in the letter that the decision was painful but that he understands it is the right time. "I emptied myself, I no longer have anything more to give," he wrote, adding that younger players deserve their opportunity with the team.
The letter was dated July 21, two days after Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, when a goal by Ferran Torres decided the match. Messi wrote that he is now even more convinced of his decision following recent personal circumstances.
This is the second time Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina. He previously announced he was leaving the national team in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa América to Chile, but he returned to international play.
