Lionel Messi has retired from the Argentina national team at 39, ending an international career that began in 2005 and delivered three major senior trophies.
The captain announced his decision on Monday, August 31, following Argentina’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
His final international appearance came on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the tournament.
Messi said he had made the decision shortly after the World Cup, writing his farewell message on July 21. The death of his father, Jorge Messi, aged 68, in early August further strengthened his resolve.
Messi leaves as Argentina’s record appearance holder and leading scorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals.
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His international career was not without setbacks. Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals to Chile.
After the 2016 defeat, Messi briefly retired from international football at 29. Argentina had lost on penalties at MetLife Stadium, the same venue where he made his final appearance nine years later. He returned to the national team later that year.
The comeback produced the success he had long sought. Messi led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
Argentina reached another World Cup final in 2026 but surrendered the title to Spain.
Messi leaves as the defining figure of Argentina’s most successful modern era. He also acknowledged the emergence of younger players and said he would continue supporting the national team from outside the squad.
His retirement closes a 21-year international chapter and leaves Argentina facing the task of moving forward without its record scorer, most-capped player and longtime No. 10.
