Lionel Messi Announces International Retirement From Argentina
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, weeks after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain and the death of his father Jorge Messi.
Argentine star Lionel Messi (39) announced on the evening of Monday, August 31, 2026, via his Instagram account, his retirement from international football with the Argentina national team, capping a career spanning more than two decades that included 207 caps and 125 goals for the Albiceleste.
The announcement comes just weeks after Argentina's loss in the 2026 World Cup final to Spain, played on July 19, 2026, in New York, as well as the death of his father and agent, Jorge Messi, at age 68.
Messi wrote in his message: "Some time has passed since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the national team. It's a decision that still hurts deep down, but I understand that this is the moment."
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had already hinted in mid-August that he did not see himself playing "much longer" with his country's national team.
A Career Crowned With Titles
Messi capped his international career by winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Argentina's first world title since 1986. He had already retired from international football once before, in 2016, before reversing his decision to play at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Messi's international honors go beyond the World Cup: he also won the Copa America twice, in 2021 and 2024, as well as Olympic gold in 2008. He played his first match for the Albiceleste on August 17, 2005, against Hungary, and went on to feature in six World Cups.
At the 2026 World Cup, his final international tournament, Messi scored 15 goals and provided 7 assists in 15 matches, before Argentina lost the final 1-0 to Spain. He said he had "given everything" and had "nothing left to offer," adding that the young players coming through "deserve their chance."
What Comes Next
Despite his international retirement, Messi continues his club career with Inter Miami in the United States, where he is under contract until 2028. The decision closes out a career many consider the greatest in football history, and opens the door for a new generation of players to lead Argentina in upcoming international tournaments.