Lionel Messi Is Retiring From International Soccer — Here’s Where to Buy His Argentina Jersey Online

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's national team on Monday, August 31, 2026, via a post on Instagram. In the lengthy message, the 39-year-old soccer star, whose father passed away weeks after Argentina's loss in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, explained his decision to end his tenure with the team. Messi expressed that the decision was difficult and still hurt him deeply, but he understood it was the right time to retire.

Throughout his career, Messi had given his all to the national team, not just in recent years, but during his earlier years as well, he stated. He praised the young players coming up behind him, acknowledging they deserved to be part of the team. Messi thanked his fans for their support over the past 20 years and expressed his gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and managers for being part of his journey.

The soccer star left a message of pride and love for Argentina, saying, "I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, along with my teammates, dreamlike moments. It was incredible to have experienced it with you all. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian. Go Argentina!" He added that he wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the World Cup final, emphasizing that his conviction to retire had only grown stronger after his father's death. Messi will continue to play in the MLS with Inter Miami.