Lionel Messi announces his retirement from Argentina duty after a remarkable international career highlighted by World Cup and Copa América success.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary Argentina career to an end. The 39-year-old confirmed his decision after more than two decades representing the national team.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer. He finished his national-team career with 207 appearances and 125 goals, establishing himself as one of the most influential players in the country’s football history.
His greatest achievement came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France in the final and Messi finally lifted the biggest trophy in international football. He also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
Messi’s international journey included difficult moments earlier in his career. After Argentina lost major finals between 2014 and 2016, he briefly announced his international retirement before returning to the national team.
His final international tournament came at the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final before losing to Spain. Messi subsequently confirmed that his time with the national team had come to an end.
The retirement marks the conclusion of one of the greatest international careers in football history. Messi leaves Argentina having transformed his relationship with the national team and delivered the major trophies that had eluded him for much of his career.
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