On August 31, 2026, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football at age 39, ending his career with Argentina's national team. The announcement came weeks after Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final, and Messi's decision prompted widespread tributes from teammates and Argentine citizens.
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Lionel Messi says he’s retiring from playing for Argentina AP News
Lionel Messi has ended his career as a player for the Argentine national team at 39 years old.
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Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football in a statement on Instagram.
The annoucement comes just weeks after the death of his father Jorge.
The Argentine legend announced that he will not play for the national team again, ending an illustrious international career.
The country’s star forward won the 2022 World Cup and is the second top scorer in the tournament’s history
The decision comes shortly after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, which prompted the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player to consider his future.
Lionel Messi has played his last game representing Argentina, the soccer star announced Monday. The 39-year-old Messi’s retirement from the national team comes 20 years after his first appearance and ends a career with La Albiceleste that saw him score 98 goals and add 38 assists in 142 matches.
Messi announces departure from Argentina national team Reuters
Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team weeks after losing to Spain in the World Cup final.
Lionel Messi played in six World Cups and led Argentina to win the tournament in 2022 in Qatar.
The Argentine football superstar published a heartfelt message on Instagram less than a month after his father’s passing La entrada Lionel Messi announces retirement from national team se publicó primero en Buenos Aires Herald .
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football following Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup.
Former Argentina forward Lionel Messi Reuters
Soccer legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, saying he will no longer play for the Argentina national team.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's national soccer team on Monday via social media. Messi still plays for Inter Miami CF.
He said he wrote his retirement letter after the World Cup final in July, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life.
“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot,” the 2022 World Cup winner wrote on Instagram.
By the numbers: A look at Lionel Messi’s 21 years with Argentina AP News
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina's national soccer team. Messi played in six World Cups, winning in 2022 and playing in the 2014 and 2026 finals. He will continue playing for the MLS club Inter Miami. NBC News' Andrew Greif reports.
Lionel Messi’s retirement from the national soccer team, though widely expected, sparked fears of a diminished squad, and heartbreak over the departure of a national icon.
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina National Team Lionel Messi, the legendary forward, has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. "After everything that has happened since the World Cup final, and following much reflection, I want to inform everyone that I am ending my career with the national team. This was a painful deci... # Argentina # FIFA # LionelMessi # Worl
Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi announces his retirement
Lionel Messi’s international retirement has prompted tributes across Argentina, including an emotional message from President Javier Milei. After 207 appearances and 125 goals, Messi leaves the national team following a 21-year career featuring a World Cup and two Copa América titles. The 39-year-old will continue playing for Inter Miami, but his Argentina chapter is now over.
Lionel Messi announced on Monday his retirement from the Argentine national team at the age of 39, in a handwritten letter posted on his social media accounts, 43 days after the World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammates have paid emotional tribute after the legendary captain announced his international retirement. Emi Martinez, Angel Di Maria, Lisandro, Lautaro Martinez and Leandro Paredes praised his leadership, friendship, humility and impact on their careers. Messi leaves as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading scorer, having won two Copa America titles and the 2022 Wor
Lionel Messi's long-anticipated international retirement still came as a shock in Argentina, where the World Cup winner became far more than a soccer star.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after 207 appearances for Argentina. With 125 goals to his name, he is by far the top scorer in his national team’s history.
Lionel Messi has announced his second international retirement from football. This decision follows a highly successful period of winning major trophies. He leaves the national team after a distinguished career with many achievements. Messi's departure marks the end of a significant chapter in his football journey. He expressed gratitude and acknowledged the emergence of new talent.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s team yesterday – get his jersey for 30% off before it sells out.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino led the tributes to Argentina skipper Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from international football just over a month after playing in the 2026 World Cup final.
The Argentinian’s decision to quit international football was met by an outpouring of affection from the country he led to World Cup glory in 2022
Residents of Buenos Aires say they will miss the football legend who won the 2022 World Cup for Argentina.