Lionel Messi surprised everyone by abruptly announcing his retirement from international football. He shared a three-page letter on social media, announcing his retirement.

Lionel Messi retires

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. He announced his retirement in a three-page letter on Monday (August 31). Messi's sudden retirement shocked the football world. Messi's Argentina team reached the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which concluded in July, but lost to Spain.

Regarding his retirement, Messi wrote, "After so much time and much thought since the final, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team. It was a decision that deeply saddened me and still does, but I feel that this is the right time."

I gave my everything.

Messi further said, "I swear I gave it my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but even before that. I always fought for this jersey and gave it my all to bring you happiness and make you feel proud of being Argentine through football."

He further wrote, "There is not much time left now, and many chapters of life are coming to an end. This is a phase that saddens me a lot. I have always loved being a part of the national team; I still do and will continue to do so. I have given my all, and now I have nothing left to give."

International career of Lionel Messi

Looking back at Messi's international career, he made his debut in August 2005. He played 207 matches, scoring 125 goals. He also assisted 68 goals. Messi played a total of 17,120 minutes of international football. Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup under Messi's captaincy. Speaking of his World Cup career, Messi played a total of 34 matches, scoring 21 goals.