Susan Abayomi
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his remarkable 21-year career with the national team.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward announced his decision on Monday, August 31, 2026, following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Messi said he had given considerable thought to his future with the national team before deciding that it was time to step away.
Messi made his senior international debut for Argentina in 2005 and went on to become the country’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer. He finished his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals, according to Reuters.
His greatest achievement with Argentina came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he captained the team to victory and finally lifted football’s most prestigious trophy. He also helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
The 2026 World Cup provided another memorable chapter in Messi’s international career. He led Argentina to the final, where they were defeated by Spain, narrowly missing the opportunity to end his national-team career with another World Cup triumph.
Messi’s decision marks the conclusion of one of the most decorated international careers in football history. His journey with Argentina included difficult periods, including several major final defeats, before he eventually guided the country to major international success.
Despite retiring from international football, Messi’s professional club career continues with Inter Miami. His departure from the Argentina national team, however, closes a significant chapter in a career that has made him one of the most influential footballers of his generation.
Argentina now faces the task of moving forward without the player who has been at the centre of its national team for more than two decades. Messi leaves behind a lasting legacy of goals, records, trophies and unforgettable moments in the colours of Argentina.
