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Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 FIFA World Cup winner, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a historic career with the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old forward confirmed his decision through a social media post following Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, stating that he would no longer represent the national team after more than 20 years at the international level.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, finishing his career with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
During his time with the national team, he helped Argentina win several major honours, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima (CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions), the 2008 Olympic gold medal with Argentina U23, and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Debuting for Argentina in 2005, Messi went on to define an era of Argentine football, transforming the national team into one of the most successful sides in world football after years of near misses on the international stage.
His retirement marks the end of one of football’s greatest international careers, defined by records, resilience, and historic triumphs.
