Messi Retires From Argentina
Lionel Messi has retired from international football at the age of 39, ending a 21-year Argentina career as the nation’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer.
Argentina career ends
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing to a close a 21-year career with Argentina.
The 39-year-old departs as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, having recorded 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country. He made his senior international debut in 2005.
Messi’s final Argentina appearance came in the World Cup final against Spain on 19 July. Argentina lost 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal.
Historic trophy haul
Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a defining triumph in his international career.
He also led the national team to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and lifted the inaugural Finalissima in 2022. The trophies completed a major international honour list that had once appeared beyond his reach after a series of final defeats earlier in his Argentina career.
Messi had again led Argentina to the World Cup final this summer, but said the physical demands of the tournament had left him unable to continue at the same level.
Decision confirmed
In a statement published on Instagram, Messi said he had “nothing left to give” and believed emerging players deserved the opportunity to represent Argentina.
He explained that he first wrote the statement on 21 July, two days after the final, and that the death of his father, Jorge, on 8 August had made him more certain of his decision. Jorge Messi had been a central figure in his son’s career and previously acted as his agent.
Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, but his retirement ends an Argentina journey that began in 2005 and delivered the country’s first World Cup since 1986.
Photo: CC-BY-SA-4.0 | by Bryan Berlin