Argentina legend and one of football’s greatest players, Lionel Messi, has officially retired from international football, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in the history of the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old announced his decision on Monday, August 31, weeks after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi captained Argentina to the final in what became his sixth World Cup appearance, but Spain secured a 1-0 victory to deny the South Americans a second consecutive title.
Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, leaves the national team as its most capped player and leading goal scored, having recorded 207 appearances and 125 goals.
His international career spanned more than two decades and included some of the highest highs and most painful disappointments in Argentina football.
The forward helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa America, defeating Brazil in the final at the Macarana, before adding the 2022 Finalissima against Italy and, most significantly, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France on penalties after at thrilling 3-3 draw, with Messi scoring twice and subsequently winning the Golden Ball.
Argentina went on to win another Copa America in 2024, further cementing Messi’s status as the central figure of the country’s modern golden generation. His final World Cup campaign in 2026 took him to record sixth tournament and a second successive final, although the campaign ultimately ended in disappointment against Spain.
The decision comes shortly after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier in August.
In his farewell message, Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates and supporters for his family, coaches, teammates, and supporters for their love throughout his 20 years with the national team and said he would continue supporting Argentina from outside the team.
Messi international retirement does not mean the end of his club career. He remains a player for Inter Miami.
-9News Nigeria.
