The 39-year-old, who is Argentina's all-time leading appearance-maker and goalscorer, leaves the national team with 207 appearances and 125 goals. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner transformed a difficult relationship with Argentina into a career marked by major international success.
In a statement on Instagram, Messi said the decision was painful but acknowledged that the time had come to step away. He said he had always given everything for the national team and fought to bring joy and pride to Argentine supporters.
Messi's final international campaign ended in disappointment as Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, denying him the chance to end his career with another World Cup triumph.
After years of setbacks, including defeats in the 2014 World Cup final and consecutive Copa America finals, Messi won his first major international trophy at the 2021 Copa America.
He then captained Argentina to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022 before adding another Copa America title in 2024.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in the country's history. His international career ultimately saw him emerge from the shadow of 1986 World Cup-winning captain Diego Maradona and build a legacy of his own.
