Lionel Messi Retires From International Soccer After 21 Years
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international soccer, concluding a 21-year career with Argentina that included six World Cup appearances and the 2022 championship in Qatar. The 39-year-old said the decision remained painful but that he believed the time had come to step away from the national team.
Messi finishes his Argentina career with 207 appearances and a national-record 125 goals, including 21 at World Cups. He led Argentina to three World Cup finals: a defeat in the 2014 final, victory over France in 2022, and an extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 final. He also helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
Messi wrote his retirement letter on July 21, two days after the latest World Cup final, but delayed releasing it while his father, Jorge Messi, faced serious health problems. Jorge Messi died in Rosario on August 8.
His international career began in 2005, shortly after he starred for Argentina at the under-20 world championship. His senior debut lasted only two minutes after he was sent off against Hungary. Messi briefly retired from international competition in 2016 following Argentina’s Copa America final loss to Chile, but later returned.
At club level, Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The article notes that he remains a leading player, as shown by a recent four-goal performance in a 7-1 victory over CF Montreal.
His announcement prompted tributes from Argentina President Javier Milei, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the Argentine Football Association, and several teammates. Their statements emphasized Messi’s achievements, longevity, leadership, and influence on Argentine soccer.
Messi leaves international competition as Argentina’s leading scorer and one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history. He said he would now support the national team as a fan, while expressing pride in his career.