Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 21-year career with the Argentina national team to an end. The 39-year-old confirmed his decision on Monday, saying the choice was painful but that he believes the time has come to step away.
Messi finishes his Argentina career as the country’s all-time leading scorer and appearance maker, with 207 caps and 125 goals. His international journey began in 2005 and included some of the most memorable moments in Argentine football history.
For years, Messi’s international career was defined by disappointment. Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and suffered defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals. After the 2016 Copa América loss to Chile, Messi briefly announced his retirement before eventually returning to the national team.
His return ultimately transformed his legacy. Messi led Argentina to victory at the 2021 Copa América, followed by the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he was named the tournament’s best player. He also helped Argentina win another Copa América in 2024.
His final major international tournament was the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final before losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time. Messi’s decision comes seven weeks after that defeat.
Messi is not retiring from football altogether. He is expected to continue playing club football with Inter Miami, where his current contract runs through the 2028 MLS season. His retirement therefore marks the end of his Argentina journey rather than the end of his professional career.
After more than two decades, major trophies and countless unforgettable performances, Messi leaves the Argentina national team as one of the most decorated and influential players in international football history. His departure closes one of the greatest chapters in the history of the Albiceleste.
play_arrow 
play_arrow 
play_arrow 
