Lionel Messi retires from international football at 39
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year career with the national team.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday, six weeks after Argentina lost 1–0 to Spain in extra time in the 2026 World Cup final in New York. That match has now become his final appearance for the country.
Messi leaves the Argentina national team after making 207 appearances and scoring 125 goals, becoming the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
His international career included the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, an Olympic gold medal in 2008 and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He also reached three senior World Cup finals — winning in 2022 and finishing runner-up in 2014 and 2026.
In his farewell message, Messi said the decision was painful but that he believed it was time to close the chapter. He also acknowledged the emergence of younger players who deserve opportunities with the national team.
The decision comes after months of uncertainty over his future. Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia had said earlier in August that the decision over when Messi would retire belonged entirely to the player.
Messi’s departure marks the end of an era for Argentina. After years of criticism and near misses, he eventually led the country to its long-awaited World Cup triumph in Qatar, followed by another run to the final in 2026.
He is not retiring from professional football altogether. Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami, meaning fans can still see him on the pitch — just no longer in the famous blue-and-white Argentina shirt.
