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.

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.

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The Argentina captain entered the match tied with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals but moved clear of the record with two strikes that helped secure Argentina’s second consecutive group-stage victory. The result also ensured Argentina’s place in the tournament’s knockout rounds.

Messi’s achievement came despite an early setback. The 38-year-old forward missed a penalty kick in the ninth minute, sending his left-footed effort just wide of the post. Rather than allowing the miss to define his performance, Messi responded with two goals that underlined his enduring influence on the world stage.

“I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said after the match. He described the contest as difficult and emphasized the importance of securing qualification early in the competition.

Record-Breaking Night in Arlington

The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute when Messi finished a move involving Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina to score his 17th World Cup goal and move ahead of Klose on the all-time list.

The goal sparked celebrations among the sold-out crowd of 70,649 spectators at the NFL stadium home of the Dallas Cowboys, where Argentina supporters significantly outnumbered Austria fans.

Messi later added his second goal deep into stoppage time. After an initial attempt was stopped by Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, the Argentine star converted the rebound through a crowded penalty area to extend the record to 18 World Cup goals.

The performance came just days after Messi scored his first World Cup hat trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria, a match that allowed him to equal Klose’s previous mark.

Argentina Maintains Strong Start

Argentina has now won its opening two matches of the tournament and advanced comfortably into the knockout phase.

Messi has been central to that success. He scored all three goals against Algeria and followed that display with another decisive performance against Austria. His latest goal also marked the sixth consecutive World Cup match in which he has found the net, placing him alongside Just Fontaine and Jairzinho among the few players to achieve that feat.

The match also highlighted Argentina’s resilience. Despite the missed penalty and a tightly contested first half, the South American side maintained control and eventually secured a victory that strengthened its status as one of the tournament favorites.

Praise From Opponents and Teammates

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain’s continued excellence after another landmark performance.

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick also acknowledged Messi’s impact, noting that the veteran forward remains capable of making the difference at the highest level despite nearing his 39th birthday.

The missed penalty had briefly raised concerns among Argentina supporters. The opportunity came after officials reviewed a challenge on Lautaro Martínez inside the penalty area following a delayed stoppage in play. However, Messi recovered quickly and ultimately delivered the decisive contribution.

Historic Career Continues

Messi’s latest milestone adds to a career already filled with individual honors and records. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was playing his 28th World Cup match, extending his FIFA tournament appearance record.

Klose, whose 16-goal mark had stood since Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph, recently said he expected Messi to surpass the record and welcomed the possibility.

The achievement comes during an emotional period for Messi, whose father, Jorge Messi, has been receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. Family representatives confirmed the health issue last week but provided no additional details.

For now, Argentina’s focus shifts toward the knockout rounds, where Messi will have further opportunities to extend a scoring record that now belongs solely to him.

Tournament Implications

With qualification secured and momentum building, Argentina enters the next phase of the World Cup as one of the leading contenders for the title. Messi’s form has been a major factor, with five goals through the opening stages of the competition.

As the tournament progresses, the record-setting forward continues to reinforce his place among football’s most accomplished figures while helping Argentina pursue another World Cup crown.

Tags: Lionel Messi, Argentina National Team, FIFA World Cup, Austria National Team, Lionel Scaloni, Miroslav Klose, Lautaro Martinez, Alexander Schlager, Group Stage, World Cup Records

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The three-time defending world champions began their campaign with a convincing win as Messi found the net three times, moving his World Cup tally to 16 goals across six tournament appearances. The achievement placed him alongside Klose atop the competition’s all-time scoring list.

Following his opening goal, an emotional Messi was seen wiping tears from his eyes before continuing a dominant display that silenced any lingering concerns about a hamstring issue that had limited him in the lead-up to the tournament.

“My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to football,” Messi said after the match. “I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me.”

Messi Delivers in World Cup Opener

Messi opened the scoring in the early stages after connecting with a pass from Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. He added a second goal from a rebound shortly after halftime before completing his hat trick with a clinical finish before leaving the field to a standing ovation.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain’s influence following the victory.

“At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say? He’s incredible,” Scaloni said.

The match was played before a crowd of 69,045 spectators in Kansas City, where Argentina supporters heavily outnumbered their Algerian counterparts.

Historic Milestone Reached Two Decades After Debut

The performance came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro, a match in which he also scored.

According to the supplied match information, Messi became only the second player to score in five editions of the World Cup. The hat trick was the 61st of his professional career, his 11th for Argentina, and his first in World Cup competition.

The Argentina captain has now scored in five consecutive World Cup matches and appears well positioned to move beyond Klose’s mark as the tournament progresses.

“It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way,” Messi said. “What I’m living through now is the cherry on top.”

Other Stars Shine on Busy World Cup Day

Messi’s performance came on a day that also featured strong displays from other international stars.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal, while Erling Haaland netted two goals in Norway’s 4-1 win against Iraq.

Haaland reacted to Messi’s display on social media, writing: “Messi is a madman.”

Argentina Relies on Veteran Leader

Messi entered the tournament after dealing with a minor hamstring injury while playing for Inter Miami. However, he showed no visible limitations during Argentina’s opening match.

The appearance also marked the 200th international match of Messi’s career since making his senior debut in 2005.

“Fortunately, I’m doing well, and today we managed to win a tough match,” Messi said. “It’s important to start the tournament with a victory in the first game.”

Argentina’s strong opening result gives the defending champions momentum as they continue their pursuit of another World Cup title, while Messi’s record-tying performance adds another milestone to one of football’s most decorated careers.

Tags: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Algeria, FIFA World Cup, Miroslav Klose, Rodrigo De Paul, Lionel Scaloni, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Kansas City

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Messi left Inter Miami’s 6-4 victory in the 73rd minute after appearing to grab the back of his left leg following a free kick. The 38-year-old forward walked off under his own power before heading directly to the locker room.

The development comes less than three weeks before Argentina begins its FIFA World Cup title defense, increasing attention around Messi’s fitness ahead of the international tournament.

Inter Miami Downplays Severity

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the match that the issue appeared related to fatigue rather than a major injury.

Hoyos cited difficult field conditions and accumulated workload as contributing factors, adding that the club wanted to avoid taking unnecessary risks late in the game.

Multiple reports indicated Messi had been moving more cautiously before requesting the substitution. However, he did not appear to be limping significantly as he left the field.

The club has not yet announced a recovery timetable or whether additional medical testing will be required.

Argentina Monitors Situation Before World Cup

Messi is expected to captain Argentina at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where the defending champions open group-stage play against Algeria on June 16.

Argentina is also scheduled to play pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras and Iceland before the competition begins.

The injury concern arrives after another productive MLS stretch for Messi, who has recorded 12 goals and eight assists in league play this season.

Inter Miami now enters a league break tied to the World Cup schedule, giving Messi additional time for recovery before international duty.

Fitness Concerns Follow Busy Schedule

Messi has dealt with previous hamstring-related issues during the 2026 season.

In February, Inter Miami confirmed that he sustained a strain in his left hamstring during preseason competition.

Despite the latest concern, neither Inter Miami nor Argentina officials have suggested that Messi’s World Cup availability is currently in doubt.

Further updates are expected after the club completes additional evaluations in the coming days.

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Argentina travels to Asunción on Thursday for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, with Lionel Messi and his teammates aiming to edge closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia, where Messi scored a hat-trick and contributed two assists, the Albiceleste look to continue their strong qualification campaign. With just a few games remaining, Argentina needs to maintain momentum as they aim to finish at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, a feat they haven’t achieved in the past two qualifying cycles.

Paraguay’s Tough Defense

Paraguay, led by coach Gustavo Alfaro, is known for their resilient defense and will be looking to pull off an upset. The Albirroja are currently in a playoff position, having recently beaten Brazil and drawn with Uruguay. Their defense, though difficult to break down, has often resulted in low-scoring affairs—only seven goals have been scored across their last seven meetings with Argentina, including two goalless draws. However, Paraguay’s solid defensive record makes them a formidable opponent at home, where they have been tough to beat.

How to Watch & Odds:

• Date: Thursday, November 14
• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay
• Stream: Fanatiz
• Odds:
  • Paraguay +450
  • Draw +250
  • Argentina -150

Argentina’s Road to the 2026 World Cup

With a 6-0 victory over Bolivia, Argentina sits comfortably at the top of the qualification table. They are three points ahead of Colombia, and their solid away form (10 points from five matches) has been crucial in their quest for World Cup qualification. With Argentina’s position looking strong, a win in Paraguay would bring them even closer to securing a berth in the 2026 World Cup.

Team News:

• Paraguay: Coach Alfaro has a consistent squad, with many players based in Argentina’s top leagues. Antonio Sanabria has been in good form, scoring twice in Paraguay’s recent win over Venezuela, while Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, and Ramón Sosa are still fighting for more minutes to regain their rhythm.Possible Paraguay XI:
  • Fernandez; Caceres, Gomez, Alderete, Balbuena, Alonso; Cubas, Gomez; Almiron, Sanabria, Enciso.
• Argentina: Enzo Fernandez may not start due to his limited playing time at Chelsea, while Giovani Lo Celso is fit again and could replace Lautaro Martínez in the starting lineup. Emiliano Martínez returns from suspension, taking over from Gerónimo Rulli in goal.Possible Argentina XI:
  • E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Lo Celso, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez.

Prediction:

While Argentina is poised to qualify, Paraguay’s strong defense at home could pose a real challenge. This match is expected to be tight, with Paraguay possibly edging out a narrow win. A draw is also a possibility, but it feels like the home side may pull off a surprise.

Pick: Paraguay 1, Argentina 0.

Source

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