“The Time Has Come” – Soccer Legend Lionel Messi Announces Huge Decision Following Family Tragedy

Breaking News from @TheAthleticFC: Argentina captain Lionel Messi has retired from international football following this summer’s World Cup. Messi said the decision “hurts deep in my soul”, but added that he “realises the time has come.” https://t.co/TnnJiLWrHp pic.twitter.com/CkGO9BdQq5

— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 31, 2026

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Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026 losing to Spain.

The social media post said: “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 Argentina national team…

“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all — not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. 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.

“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad — especially the bad).

“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey — so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

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Lionel Messi announces his retirement from international soccer

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— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) August 31, 2026

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As Messi became a global superstar with Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues, the one knock was he had failed to deliver Argentina a major trophy.

There were quarterfinal ousters in his first two World Cup appearances in 2006 and 2010, a World Cup Final loss to Germany in 2014 and a Round of 16 loss to France in 2018.

Three final losses in the Copa America also haunted Messi, including one to Chile in 2016 that led to a brief retirement from international play. La Abliceleste finally got off the schneid in the 2021 tournament, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final.

The next year, Messi finally led Argentina to a World Cup title, the country’s third all-time and first since 1986.

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