Lionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina national team

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national football team on August 31, 2026, ending a 21-year international career that included 207 appearances, 125 goals and victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Messi, 39, made his Argentina debut in 2005. He later became captain and led the team to the 2022 World Cup title. He also captained Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, where the team reached the final.

In explaining his decision, Messi cited the recent passing of his father, Jorge, as a significant factor. He said he had given everything to the national team and felt it was time to step aside for younger players.

His announcement brings to a close an international career spanning more than two decades. Across 207 caps, Messi scored 125 goals for Argentina, figures that place his retirement within a record of sustained involvement at the highest level of the national team.

The decision follows his latest World Cup campaign and comes after Argentina’s appearance in the 2026 final. The research does not identify whether Messi will continue playing at club level or provide details about his future plans.