Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international soccer with Argentina at age 39.

Messi made the announcement Monday in an Instagram post. He said the decision was painful but that he believes the time has come to end his international career.

The Argentina captain thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials who shared his journey. He also thanked supporters for their affection throughout his 20 years with the national team.

Messi said he is leaving with pride after helping Argentina achieve major victories that the team once only dreamed of. He also said a new generation of players deserves an opportunity with the national team.

Messi is Argentina’s most-capped player and its all-time leading scorer. He has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for the country.

His international career included six World Cup appearances. Messi led Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar in 2022, giving the country its first World Cup triumph in 36 years.

He also played a key role in ending Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major international trophy. The team won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.

Messi previously announced his international retirement in 2016 after Argentina lost three straight finals. He later reversed that decision and went on to lead the country to its Copa América victories and World Cup triumph.

The latest announcement has drawn tributes from football leaders and Argentine officials. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Messi for an extraordinary international career and said his talent and humility will be remembered.

The Argentine Football Association also thanked Messi for representing the country and helping turn long-held dreams into reality.

Messi said he will now support Argentina from outside the pitch, through the good times and the bad.