Lionel Messi ends 21-year Argentina career

BUENOS AIRES - Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, bringing an extraordinary 21-year career with Argentina to an end. The 39-year-old leaves as his country’s record appearance-maker and scorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals.

His final international appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19, when Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey. Messi made his senior debut against Hungary in 2005, famously being sent off just seconds after coming on as a substitute.

His greatest achievement with Argentina was winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024 and Olympic gold in 2008.

Messi said the decision still hurts deeply but that he believes “the time has come.” He said he had given everything he had to the national team and that a new generation of talented players now deserves its opportunity.

The Inter Miami forward revealed that he had already written his farewell shortly after the World Cup final but waited before publishing it to make sure the decision was not driven by emotion. The death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8 further confirmed his decision to step away from international football.