A legendary chapter in football history has come to an end. Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his extraordinary career with the Argentina national team to a close after more than two decades. The 39-year-old Argentina captain announced the decision on August 31, 2026, in a handwritten message shared on social media. Lionel Messi had written the message on July 21, two days after Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain, but waited before making it public.
End of an era: Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football:
What is international football?
International football is when players represent their country, rather than their club. Lionel Messi has represented Argentina for more than 20 years, playing in major competitions including the FIFA World Cup and Copa América. His international journey began in 2005, and he went on to become Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
Lionel Messi’s career is filled with unforgettable moments
Lionel Messi’s relationship with Argentina was not always easy. Before winning major trophies, he experienced painful defeats in several finals and even announced his international retirement once before, in 2016. He later returned to the national team. His comeback produced some of the greatest moments in Argentine football.
In 2021, Lionel Messi won his first major senior international trophy when Argentina lifted the Copa América. A year later came the biggest prize of all: Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with Lionel Messi captaining the team to victory. Argentina then won another Copa América title in 2024.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup was Messi’s final tournament
Lionel Messi played at his sixth FIFA World Cup in 2026, having previously appeared at the tournaments in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. Argentina reached the final once again, but lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. It meant Lionel Messi finished his World Cup career as a champion in 2022 and a runner-up in 2014 and 2026. The 2026 tournament was still another record-breaking chapter for Lionel Messi. He scored eight goals during the tournament and became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Lionel Messi & his incredible Argentina record
Lionel Messi leaves the national team with an extraordinary record:
- 207 international appearances
- 125 international goals
- Argentina’s most-capped player
- Argentina’s all-time leading scorer
- 2022 FIFA World Cup winner
- Copa América winner in 2021 and 2024
- 2008 Olympic gold medallist
- Six FIFA World Cup appearances
He also scored 21 goals across his six World Cup appearances, putting him second on the tournament’s all-time scoring list at the time of his retirement.
Note: Lionel Messi is not retiring from football altogether. His decision applies to international football and the Argentina national team. He continues to play club football for Inter Miami.
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