By Benson Daniel
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 21 year career with the Argentina national team.
The 39 year old football legend confirmed his decision on Monday, August 31, in an emotional statement shared with fans. Messi said the decision was painful but that he believes the time has come to close the chapter of his career with Argentina.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s most capped player, with 207 appearances and 125 goals. His final international appearance came in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1 0 to Spain.
The decision ends one of the most decorated international careers in football history. Messi eventually achieved the major international success that had eluded him for much of his early career, leading Argentina to the Copa América title in 2021 before winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He also helped Argentina retain the Copa América title in 2024 and guided the team to another World Cup final in 2026.
Messi said he had already written his retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. The recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, further strengthened his decision to step away from international football.
The Argentine captain said he had given everything he had to the national team and believed younger players deserved the opportunity to take their places in the squad.
His international journey began in 2005, and despite several difficult periods, including a brief retirement in 2016, Messi returned to become the central figure in one of the most successful periods in Argentina’s football history.
His World Cup triumph in 2022 was the defining moment of his international career. Messi scored seven goals during the tournament and was named the tournament’s best player as Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final.
The 2026 World Cup became his sixth appearance at the tournament. Although Argentina fell short in the final, Messi finished the competition having once again played a leading role for his country.
Beyond his goals and trophies, Messi leaves behind a lasting legacy as the player who helped Argentina move from years of disappointment to sustained international success.
His retirement from Argentina does not mean the end of his professional playing career. Messi remains an Inter Miami player and is expected to continue his club career in Major League Soccer.
For Argentina, however, a defining era has come to an end. The player who wore the famous number 10 shirt through triumphs, setbacks and historic moments will now watch the national team from the sidelines.
Messi’s departure marks the closing of one of the greatest international careers football has ever witnessed
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