Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his remarkable career with the national team. The 39-year-old said the decision was painful but that he believes the time has come to step away.
Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals. He captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar and also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
In his farewell message, Messi said he had always given everything for the national team and had nothing more to give. He also acknowledged the emergence of talented young players who deserve an opportunity to represent Argentina.
The announcement came after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19. Messi revealed that he had written his retirement message on July 21, just two days after the final, but the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, further strengthened his decision.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become one of the most successful players in international football. Along with the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles, he leaves behind a legacy that has firmly established him among the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Although his international career is over, Messi will continue playing at club level for Inter Miami, where his current contract runs through the end of the 2028 season.
