Lionel Messi, 39, has announced his retirement from international football after more than two decades with Argentina. The Argentina captain announced his decision through social media on August 31, 2026.
Messi’s international career began in 2005. He played 207 matches for Argentina and scored 125 goals, leaving the national team as the country’s most-capped player and leading scorer.
Messi said in his official message that he had given considerable thought to his decision after the final before deciding to retire from the national team. He said the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come.
Messi said he had always given everything while wearing the Argentina jersey and had worked fully for the national team during both its successful years and the difficult period that preceded them.
He also said several talented young players were now emerging and should have the opportunity to establish their places in the national team. The Argentine Football Association also published Messi’s farewell message.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was a key point in Messi’s international career. Argentina defeated France in the final to win the World Cup for the first time in 36 years. Messi played a key role in Argentina’s title-winning campaign, securing his first World Cup title and ending his long wait for a major international trophy with Argentina.
Before that, Messi had led Argentina to the Copa América title in 2021. Argentina also won the Copa América in 2024, with Messi captaining the team during its consecutive international successes.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was Messi’s sixth World Cup. Argentina reached the final but finished as runners-up after losing 1-0 to Spain in the title match. The final was also Messi’s last match in an Argentina jersey.
Messi had previously taken Argentina to the World Cup final in 2014, when Germany won the match. He therefore played in three World Cup finals during his career, in 2014, 2022 and 2026.
Messi’s decision also came in the context of the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge Messi died on August 8, 2026, at the age of 68.
Messi said he had written his farewell message on July 21, two days after the 2026 World Cup final. He made the message public after his father’s death and said the event left him more certain about his decision.
Messi’s retirement from international football does not mark the end of his playing career. He continues to play for Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami in the United States.
His contract with Inter Miami runs through the end of the 2028 MLS season, allowing him to continue playing at club level.
Messi leaves Argentina with 207 international appearances and 125 goals. He led the team to two Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while also taking Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final.
