Lionel Messi Retires From International Football After 21-Year Argentina Career


 

By Abdullahi Musa 


Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in the history of the Argentina national team. 


Messi made the announcement on Monday, following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Argentina lost 1–0 after extra time, ending Messi’s hopes of concluding his international career with another World Cup triumph. 


The Inter Miami forward said the decision was painful but acknowledged that it was the right time to step away from international football.


“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi said in a message shared on Instagram. 


Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals. 


His international career included six World Cup appearances and major honours with Argentina. He led the country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and also secured Olympic gold in 2008. 


The 2026 World Cup was Messi’s final appearance at the tournament. Despite Argentina’s defeat in the final, he finished the competition with eight goals.


Reflecting on his time with the national team, Messi said he had always given everything for the Argentina shirt, including during periods when the team struggled to win major trophies. 


His retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football, with Messi having transformed his difficult early years with the national team into a trophy-laden period that culminated in the 2022 World Cup victory.


Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, but his departure from the international stage brings to a close a remarkable 21-year Argentina career. 

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