Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football after a decorated 20-year career with Argentina.
By Zuko Komisa

Lionel Messi has formally called time on his international career, ending a glorious 20-year journey with Argentina that featured a World Cup victory and two Copa América titles.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward announced his decision on social media, confirming he had drafted his retirement statement shortly after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi revealed that the recent passing of his father and long-time agent, Jorge Messi, further solidified his choice to step away. Paying tribute to the fans and his nation, he expressed deep gratitude for his time in the national shirt.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we’d only dreamed of. It was incredible to have lived through it all with you.”
The former captain departs as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having amassed 125 goals in 207 appearances. Across six World Cup tournaments, Messi reached three finals, famously captaining his country to glory in Qatar in 2022 alongside back-to-back continental triumphs.
Though his final international fixture ended in heartbreak against Spain, Messi will continue his club career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.
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