Lionel Messi officially announced his retirement from international football on Monday. The 39-year-old Argentina captain shared an emotional Instagram post confirming his decision following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign, where they finished as runners-up to Spain. Finishing his international career as Argentina’s record scorer with 125 goals in 207 caps, Messi departs after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles (2021, 2024), and the 2022 Finalissima.
Messi confirmed his departure from the Argentina national team via a detailed statement on Instagram. He revealed that he drafted his farewell message on July 21, two days after Argentina’s extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, earlier in August, Messi stated he felt even more certain that the time had come to step aside for the next generation of young talent. He leaves international duty as Argentina’s all-time leader in both caps (207) and goals (125).
Key highlights of Lionel Messi’s international career?
Messi’s 21-year journey with the national team spanned six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026. After early heartbreaks including runner-up finishes at the 2014 World Cup and consecutive Copa América finals in 2015 and 2016, Messi led Argentina through a historic golden era. He defeated Brazil at the Maracanã to lift his first senior international trophy at the 2021 Copa América.
He followed that triumph by winning the 2022 Finalissima against Italy at Wembley. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, he captained Argentina to their first World Cup title since 1986, scoring seven goals and winning the Golden Ball. He secured back-to-back continental crowns at the 2024 Copa América in the United States before leading Argentina to another World Cup final appearance as runners-up in 2026.
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How did Messi started his football journey?
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child. Barcelona agreed to cover his medical treatment expenses, signing his initial contract on a paper napkin when he was just 13 years old. He relocated to Spain with his family, laying the foundation for a legendary club career where he scored 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona and won 35 major trophies.
Off the pitch, he maintained a grounded personal life, marrying his childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo in 2017, with whom he has three sons. Through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he has funded pediatric healthcare facilities and educational initiatives worldwide.
Messi will continue playing club football in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Inter Miami CF, where he recently delivered a four-goal performance in a 7-1 victory over CF Montréal. While his international chapter with Argentina has officially drawn to a close, his club career remains active as he continues to play in North America.
