New Delhi: Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an emotional end to one of the greatest careers in the history of the game. His final appearance for Argentina came in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat.
Messi revealed that he had made the decision shortly after the World Cup final. The passing of his father, Jorge Messi, later strengthened his belief that it was the right moment to step away from the national team.
The 39-year-old made his Argentina debut on August 17, 2005, in a friendly against Hungary when he was just 18. Over the following two decades, he became the central figure of a golden era for Argentine football.
Messi eventually achieved the major international success that had eluded him for years by leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar. He also won the Golden Ball for the second time at the tournament.
His international honours include consecutive Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima against Italy, Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Messi finishes his Argentina career with 207 appearances, 125 goals and 65 assists, leaving as the country’s most decorated and influential footballer.
In his farewell message, Messi said the decision was painful but felt it was the appropriate time to close the chapter. He expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches and supporters, while acknowledging the emergence of a new generation of Argentine players.
Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, but his departure from the national team marks the end of an era for Argentina and world football.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
