Lionel Messi Retires from Argentina Duty After World Cup Final Loss to Spain

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina duty after the World Cup final defeat to Spain, bringing a 20-year international career to an end. Argentina lost the final 1-0 after extra time, and Messi said the decision to step away had been made after deep reflection on the tournament.

The Inter Miami forward confirmed the news in an Instagram post, describing the choice as painful but necessary. Messi said he still feels that pain, yet believes the moment has arrived to close his chapter with the national side.

Quick facts

• Messi retires after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time World Cup final loss to Spain.
• He finishes with 207 Argentina appearances, the second-highest total in men’s international football.
• The forward scored 125 goals for his country.
• He captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 Copa America and the Finalissima at Wembley.
• Messi said younger players now deserve their opportunity in the squad.

Messi leaves as Argentina’s leading modern figure of an era that included major disappointment as well as its defining successes. He guided the side through the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil before returning eight years later to lead the country to its third world title in Qatar.

His displays in Qatar brought him the tournament’s Player of the Tournament award, matching the individual honour he received after Argentina’s run to the 2014 final. The 2021 Copa America victory had already ended a lengthy wait for a senior international trophy, with the Finalissima win over Italy following at Wembley.

In his farewell message, Messi said representing Argentina had been one of the great loves of his life and that he had given everything he could. He also pointed to the emerging generation, saying there were outstanding young players coming through who should be given their place in the team.

The 207-cap total places Messi second in the all-time men’s international appearance standings, while his 125 goals underline his standing as Argentina’s most prolific scorer. His departure removes the captain who led the team during both its difficult final defeats and its return to major honours.

Messi thanked his family, coaches, team-mates and directors for sharing what he called a beautiful but demanding journey. He said he would carry the memories of the team’s achievements with pride and thanked supporters for the affection they had shown throughout his career.

The forward added that he had first written the retirement message on July 21, two days after the final. He said events involving his father had since made him even more certain that ending his Argentina career was the right decision.