Lionel Messi and Argentina
31 August 2026
Lionel Messi has retired from international football at age 39 after 207 Argentina appearances and 125 goals. The World Cup-winning captain said the decision still hurts but the time has come, ending more than two decades with the national team.
Messi said he originally wrote his retirement message on 21 July, two days after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. He became even more convinced after the death of his father Jorge and will continue playing for Inter Miami.