Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 20-year career with the Argentina national team.
Messi announced the news on his social media pages on Monday.
"After this time that has passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to inform everyone that I am retiring from the National Team," he said.
The Rosario-born forward said the decision was painful but acknowledged that he had reached a point where he felt he had no more to give to the national side.
“I am leaving with the peace and pride of having given them, together with my teammates, dream moments,” Messi said.
Messi made his Argentina senior debut in 2005 and went on to become the country's most-capped player and leading goalscorer. He has scored more than 100 international goals and played a central role in Argentina's resurgence on the international stage.
His greatest achievements with Argentina include winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He also helped Argentina win the 2024 Copa América, completing a remarkable run of major international honours.
The World Cup triumph was particularly significant for Messi, who had previously endured several major tournament disappointments with Argentina. In Qatar, he scored seven goals and was named the tournament's best player as Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final.
Messi said he had always given everything for the national team and wanted to leave knowing he had helped bring joy and pride to Argentinians.
He also pointed to the emergence of younger players who, in his view, deserve an opportunity to represent the country.
After two decades in the Argentina shirt, Messi leaves behind a record-setting international career defined by goals, trophies and a transformation from one of the country's most criticised players into a national sporting icon.
His departure marks the end of one of the most influential international careers in modern football.