Lionel Messi says Argentina retirement would be the ‘saddest day’ of his career

Lionel Messi says ending his Argentina career after more than two decades would be one of the most painful moments of his life, despite the unprecedented success he has enjoyed with the national team.

The 39-year-old believes the 2026 World Cup placed a heavy physical and emotional burden on him and ultimately persuaded him that it was time to step away.

“The last World Cup was too much for me,” Messi said. “While I want to stay here forever, I feel like it’s the right time.”

Messi said Argentina had been determined to win another World Cup but admitted the demands of the campaign, particularly their match against England, had left the squad exhausted.

“We dreamed of being world champions again, we came so close,” he said. “We gave it our all; the match against England was incredibly draining for us, both physically and emotionally. The truth is, we barely made it.”

The decision marks the emotional end of an international career which began more than 20 years ago. Messi said it would be especially difficult to leave a team he had represented through the most difficult and successful periods of his career.

“It was a great honour to wear this jersey for over 20 years,” he said. “Even in the worst moments we’ve faced, I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all, and never stopped being there.

“Not coming back is going to be a huge pain.”

Messi also said his father was the first person he thought about while considering the end of his Argentina career.

“It’s hard to say anything today; there are so many emotions, so many things are going through my mind,” Messi said. “The first thing I think of is my dad. All I can do is express my gratitude, as I said in my farewell letter.”

Although walking away will be difficult, Messi leaves international football having won the major honours that once seemed beyond his reach.

He paid tribute to his team-mates, saying they had helped him achieve his childhood ambition of becoming a world champion. He also celebrated their Copa America and Finalissima successes.

“I want to thank my teammates for the time I shared with this group, who helped me fulfil my childhood dream of being a world champion, a champion of the Americas, a champion of the Finalissima, a champion of everything we played for,” he said.

“It was an enormous honour to share the field with them, both on and off the field.

“I was ready to compete against anyone because I knew I had warriors by my side who would give their all.”

Messi acknowledged that part of him would always want to continue representing Argentina.

“I swear I’d like to come back for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentine National Team is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you,” he said.

But after more than 20 years of carrying the expectations of the national team, enduring heartbreak and celebrating historic triumphs, Messi believes the time has come to say goodbye.