Messi Retires from International Football After Illustrious Career

BUENOS AIRES, Sept 1, 2026 – Argentina legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, closing a chapter that spanned over two decades and brought his nation World Cup glory.

The 39‑year‑old, Argentina’s most capped player with 207 appearances and all‑time leading scorer with 125 goals, said the decision “hurts” but “the time has come.” Messi explained he has given everything to the national team and now has “nothing left to give,” while acknowledging the rise of younger talents ready to take over.

Messi Retires

Messi’s final international goal came against Egypt in this summer’s World Cup, where Argentina lost to Spain in the final. He revealed he wrote his retirement message on July 21, two days after the defeat, and said the passing of his father in August reinforced his decision.

Despite a difficult debut in 2005, when he was sent off less than a minute after coming on, Messi went on to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and two Copa America titles. He retires as the second‑highest scorer in World Cup history, behind France’s Kylian Mbappé, and second in international goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where his contract runs until 2028.

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