Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from International Football: A Tribute from FIFA and AFA
Messi's Retirement Announcement
On August 31, FIFA expressed gratitude towards Lionel Messi following his announcement of retirement from international football via social media. The FIFA World Cup account responded to Messi's Instagram post with a heartfelt 'Gracias, Leo,' which translates to 'Thank you, Leo' in English. Additionally, FIFA shared their appreciation on X, stating, 'Thank you, Leo.'
Gracias, Leo. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Ff0hWHXXUo — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) August 31, 2026
Messi revealed his decision just two days after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. He mentioned that the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, played a significant role in his choice, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in his career.
AFA's Heartfelt Tribute
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) also took to X to honor Messi, referring to him as a 'beloved captain' and thanking him for the unforgettable journey he provided for Argentine football. They praised his professionalism and stated, 'Thank you for giving us the most beautiful journey of our lives. Your legacy and professionalism will remain forever etched in our hearts. Thank you, Captain. We love you.'
Messi's retirement comes over a month after Argentina's narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final and shortly after the death of his father on August 8 in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68.
Messi's Emotional Statement
In a statement shared by 433, Messi expressed, 'After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I'm retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.'
He emphasized his commitment to the national team, stating, 'I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.'
Messi acknowledged the pain of ending this chapter, saying he has 'nothing more to give' and highlighted the emergence of young talent in the squad who 'deserve to be here.' He expressed his gratitude for the support he received over the past two decades, stating he would now cheer for the national team as a fan.
Reflecting on Messi's International Career
Messi holds the record as Argentina's most-capped player and top scorer, with 203 appearances and 124 goals, making him the highest goal-scorer in South American football history.
In 2022, after enduring several disappointments, including the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany, Messi finally achieved World Cup glory by defeating France, marking Argentina's first title in 36 years.
He also played a crucial role in ending Argentina's 28-year title drought by winning the Copa America in 2021 and successfully defending the title in 2024.
Previously, Messi had announced his retirement in 2016 after a Copa America final loss but returned to lead his nation to World Cup victory six years later.
Over six World Cups from 2006 to 2026, Messi scored 21 goals in 34 matches, making him the second-highest goal-scorer in the tournament's history, just behind Kylian Mbappe.
In the recent World Cup, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists, showcasing his exceptional performance, including a hat-trick against Algeria. He surpassed Miroslav Klose's record for the most World Cup goals before Mbappe took the lead.
Despite his international retirement, Messi will continue to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).