BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international soccer at age 39, ending a 21-year career with Argentina that produced a World Cup title, two Copa América championships and records as the country’s most-capped player and leading scorer.
Messi announced his decision Monday in an emotional social-media message, saying the time had come to close his chapter with the national team. He said he had given everything he had to Argentina and that a new generation of players deserved opportunities.
The retirement comes after Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance. Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final, where it lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time, denying Messi a second World Cup title and a winning farewell.
A record-breaking international career
Messi leaves Argentina with 207 appearances and 125 goals, both national records.
His 125 goals rank second among men’s international scorers behind Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 146. Messi scored 21 World Cup goals, also making him the second-highest scorer in World Cup history behind France’s Kylian Mbappé.
He played at six World Cups — 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 — tying the record for appearances in six tournaments. He also holds the World Cup record for appearances, with 34 matches.
The World Cup finally arrived
For much of Messi’s early international career, his relationship with Argentina was defined by disappointment.
He lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and suffered defeats in consecutive Copa América finals.
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In 2016, after Argentina lost another Copa América final to Chile, Messi briefly announced his international retirement. He later reversed the decision and returned to the national team.
His fortunes eventually changed.
Messi led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title, its first major international trophy of his senior career, before captaining the team to the 2022 World Cup championship in Qatar.
Argentina then won the 2024 Copa América, giving Messi three major senior international titles in four years.
Six World Cups and three finals
Messi reached three World Cup finals during his career.
Argentina lost to Germany in 2014 before defeating France in the 2022 final. In 2026, Argentina again reached the championship match but fell to Spain after extra time.
The 2026 tournament nevertheless added to Messi’s extraordinary statistical record.
He scored eight goals during the tournament, taking his career World Cup total to 21. He also became the only player to score at a World Cup in his teens, 20s and 30s.
Messi leaves without another title
The defeat to Spain meant Messi’s international career ended without the storybook finish many Argentina supporters had hoped for.
But the loss does little to alter his standing in Argentine soccer.
By the time he reached the 2026 final, Messi had already won the major international trophy that had eluded him for most of his career.
His 2022 World Cup victory also ended years of comparisons with Argentina’s other iconic No. 10, Diego Maradona, who captained the country to the 1986 World Cup title.
A decision shaped by personal loss
Messi said he had written his retirement message shortly after the 2026 World Cup final but delayed publishing it.
His father, Jorge Messi, died on August 8 at age 68. Messi said the loss strengthened his decision to step away from Argentina.
Messi has not announced an immediate retirement from club soccer.
He continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where his contract runs through the 2028 season.
Argentina says goodbye
The Argentine Football Association paid tribute to Messi following his announcement, thanking him for the journey he gave the national team and saying his legacy and professionalism would remain permanently associated with Argentine soccer.
Former teammates and other Argentine athletes also posted tributes, while fans across the country expressed sadness at the end of an era.
For Argentina, Messi’s departure means the national team must now move forward without the player who defined its attack and identity for more than two decades.
A legacy that extends beyond the numbers
Messi leaves Argentina as its most decorated modern player and one of the most accomplished footballers in international history.
His record includes:
- 207 Argentina appearances
- 125 Argentina goals
- 21 World Cup goals
- 6 World Cups
- 3 World Cup finals
- 1 World Cup title
- 2 Copa América titles
- 1 Olympic gold medal
- 8 Ballon d’Or awards
His final chapter with Argentina therefore ends not with another trophy, but with a record that is unlikely to be easily matched.
What Happens Next
Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, while Argentina begins preparing for a future without its longtime captain and No. 10.
The national team now enters a generational transition after more than 20 years in which Messi was its central figure.
For Argentine soccer, the question is no longer whether Messi will finally win a major international trophy.
He already did.
The question is how Argentina replaces a player who leaves as its record scorer, record appearance holder and World Cup champion.
Key Facts
- Player: Lionel Messi
- Age: 39
- International career: 2005–2026
- Argentina appearances: 207
- Argentina goals: 125
- World Cup appearances: 6
- World Cup goals: 21
- World Cup titles: 2022
- Copa América titles: 2021, 2024
- 2026 World Cup: Runner-up
- Club: Inter Miami
- Status: INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT — CONFIRMED
Reporting Credit: FIFA — Messi’s international career and World Cup records; Argentine Football Association — national-team tribute and retirement response; Inter Miami — club status and contract information; Lionel Messi — retirement announcement.
