Hard Rock/MEGA

Lionel Messi has reached the end of the road on his international soccer journey.

The Argentine footballer, dubbed the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) in soccer, has announced his decision to say goodbye to the sport at the international level. This comes after his second consecutive World Cup Final appearance in July.

Shortly after Lionel Messi’s loss to Spain at the 2026 World Cup final, he experienced a personal loss. His father, Jorge Messi, passed away on August 8 after a lengthy health battle.

Lionel Messi Says No More Appearances On The International Pitch

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The iconic footballer has officially bade farewell to international soccer. Many had already seen this coming after his devastating World Cup loss last month. There were swirling whispers after that match saying that it would be Messi’s last international appearance, and now they are no longer mere rumors.

The athlete announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, August 31, via a handwritten letter shared on social media. His decision was already made over a month before he went public with the news, as he wrote the letter two days after the World Cup ended.

“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team,” he wrote in Spanish in the letter posted on Instagram. 

The 39-year-old added that this was no easy decision, but he understands that despite the hurt, he has to take this step. Messi admitted to giving his all for the sport, noting that he did his best to make his fellow Argentines proud of their country through football.

The Record-Setting Soccer Star Wants Others To Have A Chance To Shine

Messi has broken and set many historical records throughout his career. He retires as one of only three players ever to appear in three World Cup title matches, having led Argentina to a win in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2014. With 18 goals, he holds the record for the most goals in World Cup history.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner highlighted that as time passes, chapters of life come to a close, just like this one, even though “that hurts [him] deeply.” He expressed gratitude to his fans, family, and supporters who have stood by him through the decades, adding that he would join them in cheering on other players.

I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here,” he wrote in the letter. “Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”

• Lionel Messi was accused of showing “lack of respect” to Donald Trump.
• Drake lost $1.5 million to Lionel Messi’s World Cup hopes.
• How Lionel Messi reacted to playing against a baby he once held.
• How Lionel Messi built his billion-dollar fortune.
• Two Argentine gunmen once threatened Lionel Messi’s life.
• Cristiano comforts Lionel Messi after father’s death.

Lionel Messi’s Father’s Death Was The Stamp To Seal His Decision

Messi, in his post, stated that his dad’s death was a convincing factor for him to hang up his cleats. Shortly after Jorge’s passing, the Inter Miami star made an emotional tribute recalling how his father had been very supportive. He hinted at his career’s end, writing that his father was with him from the start up until so close to the end. 

“Why didn’t you hang on just that little bit longer so we could finish it together?” Messi penned. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you; I don’t know how to go on. I just played football, and now I seriously doubt I’ll be able to keep doing it for much longer.”  

Fans shared in Messi’s grief with an outpouring of support for the soccer star. Thoughts, prayers, and encouraging words went out to the pro athlete.

The Blast shared that even his archrival, Cristiano Ronaldo, sent condolences to Messi and his family. “A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong,” Ronaldo wrote. 

The Guinness World Record Holder Recently Faced Death Threats

The Blast reported that during the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup games, Messi was a target of multiple death threats. The threats allegedly included a suicide attack and claims about an explosive planted in the stadium. Not that this is a proud record to hold, but Messi reportedly received the “most threats” of any player during the tournament.

Authorities received reports from a man who called the Dallas airport and threatened to enter the stadium with at least two other people carrying homemade explosives and ammunition. The call came in before Argentina’s group-stage game against Jordan, and the man claimed that Messi was the target.

Before Argentina’s round-of-16 game against Egypt, police received another life-threatening report. This time, the alleged attackers claimed they had placed bombs inside the stadium bins. However, the officers reportedly found no weapons of mass destruction after searching the stadium with explosive-detection dogs.

Lionel Messi’s First Retirement News Was A Decade Ago

News Licensing / MEGA

On June 26, 2016, Messi shocked the world when he announced that his run with Argentina’s national team was over. He decided he was going to be staying off the field after missing a penalty shot in Argentina’s Copa América final loss to Chile.

“For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion,” he said at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Speaking further, he explained that his decision stemmed from a place of pain as he fought back the tears clouding his eyes.

At the time, Argentina had lost the 2014 World Cup final and bagged three losses in the Copa América finals. Winning mattered so much to him. “It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it,” the soccer star said, recalling his losses in 2007, 2015, and 2016 as reported by BBC Sports.

Messi had a change of heart and returned to play weeks later, saying he was coming back in his signature blue-and-white jersey to play for the love of the country. His comeback was just the stepping stone to many career highs, including Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win.

It’s the end of an era for Lionel Messi, and it has been a good run!

The Lionel Messi Finally Hangs His Cleats After Making ‘Unforgettable Memories’ On The Field first appeared on The Blast