Why Did Lionel Messi Retire From Argentina? Football Star Cites World Cup Loss And Father's Death

Lionel Messi has retired from the Argentina national team, ending a 21-year senior international career defined by heartbreak, redemption and, ultimately, the World Cup triumph he had long craved.

The 39-year-old announced his decision on Monday, Aug. 31, following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi.

The Emotional Weight Behind Messi's Argentina Farewell

Messi's relationship with the Albiceleste was never simple. He made his senior international debut in August 2005 and spent years carrying the expectations of a nation that had not won a major senior men's international title since 1993.

His career with Argentina included defeats in major finals, including the 2014 World Cup final and consecutive Copa América finals in 2015 and 2016.

The 2016 Copa América Centenario final defeat to Chile prompted Messi to briefly retire from international football. He reversed that decision six weeks later and went on to lead Argentina to the Copa América title in 2021, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup.

This time, there was no reversal.

Messi said he wrote his retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He did not publish the message until Aug. 31, after the death of his father, Jorge, on Aug. 8.

'After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team,' Messi wrote in a statement published on Instagram.

He added that the decision hurt deeply but that he understood 'the time has come.' Messi also said he had given everything to the national team and pointed to the emergence of younger players who deserve their opportunity.

A Legacy Sealed by World Cup Glory and Personal Loss

Messi leaves Argentina as the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. His international honours include the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

The 2026 World Cup final was Messi's last appearance for Argentina. Spain defeated the defending champions 1-0 after extra time on July 19, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

The defeat came during an especially difficult period for Messi. His father, Jorge Messi, died Aug. 8 at age 68 in Rosario following a prolonged illness. Jorge had been a longtime representative and key figure in his son's career.

Days later, Messi published an emotional tribute to his father in which he questioned whether he would continue playing football for much longer. 'I don't know what I'm going to do without you,' Messi wrote, adding that he had 'serious doubts' about continuing his career.

The Argentine Football Association mourned Jorge Messi's death and described him as a fundamental figure in Lionel's personal and sporting life. The AFA also announced a minute of silence at matches across Argentina that weekend.

For Messi, his international career now closes with the legacy he spent years chasing: a World Cup title, two Copa América championships and a collection of Argentina records that put him among the greatest players in the country's history.

His international retirement does not mean the end of his club career. Messi remains an Inter Miami player, meaning he is expected to continue playing at the club level after stepping away from Argentina duty.