Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team via a social media post featuring a handwritten letter. ^[1] Lionel Messi confirmed on August 31, 2026, that he is retiring definitively from the Argentina national football team. ^[2] Argentina defeated France in the World Cup final at Lusail Stadium, with the article reporting that Argentina was crowned the best team in the world. ^[3] Leandro Paredes stated on September 1, 2026, that it will be difficult for the Argentina national team to continue functioning normally after Lionel Messi's resignation. ^[4] Argentine artist and illustrator Ieie Milonga Herrera created a collectible toy titled 'De puño y letra, la despedida del 10', inspired by Messi's retirement letter. ^[5] Lionel Messi revealed that the letter announcing his retirement was written on July 21, two days after the 2022 World Cup final. ^[6] Messi mentioned that his father's passing after the final made him more convinced of his decision to retire. ^[7] Messi stated that the decision to retire hurt him deeply and that he has nothing left to give to the team. ^[8] Lionel Messi finished his Argentina national team career as the all-time top scorer and most-capped player, with 221 appearances, 122 goals, and 68 assists. ^[9] Lionel Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America with Argentina, along with the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and the 2008 Olympic gold medal in Beijing. He also emphasized that the two last titles were for U-20 and Olympic teams. ^[10] Lionel Messi played 207 official matches for the Argentina national team, scoring 125 goals and providing 65 assists. ^[11] Messi stated that he played out his entire heart on the pitch for two decades and now feels it is time to allow generational renewal. ^[12]