Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina National Team | Career, Trophies & Legacy
Lionel Messi has retired from the Argentina national team at 39 after an extraordinary international career. Read about his Argentina journey, major trophies, records and lasting football legacy.
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing an extraordinary international career to an emotional conclusion. The 39-year-old football icon confirmed his decision on August 31, 2026, after more than two decades representing his country.
Messi’s decision comes after Argentina’s appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they lost 1–0 to Spain after extra time. Although the tournament did not end with another World Cup trophy, Messi leaves the national team having already achieved one of the biggest dreams of his career by captaining Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the country’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer. He finished his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals, numbers that underline his extraordinary contribution to Argentine football.
His journey with Argentina included difficult moments as well as unforgettable triumphs. After several disappointing finals, Messi finally lifted a major senior international trophy with Argentina at the 2021 Copa América. He later helped the country win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and added another Copa América title in 2024.
In his farewell message, Messi explained that the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come to step away. He also acknowledged the emergence of younger Argentine players who deserve opportunities with the national team. FIFA reported that Messi had originally written his farewell message shortly after the 2026 World Cup final before publicly sharing it later. FIFA
The retirement also follows the recent death of Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, which reportedly reinforced his decision to close this chapter of his career. Messi expressed his continued love for Argentina and pride in everything he accomplished while wearing the national shirt.
Messi leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond goals and trophies. His career with Argentina was a long journey from early criticism and painful defeats to becoming the captain who delivered the country’s first World Cup title since 1986. His perseverance helped transform the way his international career will be remembered.
The Argentine Football Association has also paid tribute to Messi, thanking its captain for the memories and achievements he gave to the country. His retirement marks the end of a major era for Argentina, while a new generation of players prepares to take responsibility for the national team.
Messi’s retirement from international football does not mean the end of his professional football career. He remains involved in club football with Inter Miami, meaning fans can still expect to see the Argentine superstar competing at club level. ([The Washington Post][4])
For Argentina supporters, however, seeing Messi step away from the national team will be an emotional moment. From his debut in 2005 to his World Cup triumph in 2022 and his final international appearance in 2026, Messi’s story with Argentina has become one of football’s most memorable journeys.
Player: Lionel Messi
Country: Argentina
International debut:2005
International appearances:207
International goals: 125
World Cup title:2022
Copa América titles: 2021 and 2024
2026 World Cup: Runner-up
Age at retirement:39
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