Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina After Two Decades
Lionel Messi has decided to stop playing for Argentina’s national football team.
He made his Argentina debut in 2005 and played for the team for more than 20 years.
Messi announced his decision on social media on Monday.
He said he had written the message two days after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
He later became more certain after his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, died earlier this month.
Messi is Argentina’s record holder for appearances, goals and assists.
He won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América with Argentina.
His teammates thanked him for his leadership, kindness and lessons.
Many football figures and fans called him one of the greatest players ever.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team after more than two decades.
Messi said he had considered the decision for a long time and wrote his statement two days after the 2026 World Cup final.
Argentina lost Messi’s final international appearance, the 2026 World Cup final, 1-0 to Spain.
Teammates including Ángel Di María, Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martínez and Cristian Romero paid emotional tributes.
Messi leaves as Argentina’s record appearance-maker, leading goalscorer and assist-maker, with three major international titles.
- Who
- Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team, prompting tributes from teammates, Argentine officials, FIFA and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.
- What
- Messi is ending his international football career after more than two decades with Argentina.
- When
- He announced the decision on Monday; he said he wrote the statement two days after the 2026 World Cup final.
- Where
- The retirement concerns Argentina’s national team and was announced through social media.
- Why
- Messi said he had considered retirement for a long time and became more convinced after the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi.
- Age
- 39
- Argentina debut
- 2005
- Final appearance
- 2026 World Cup final against Spain
- Final result
- Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain
- Argentina records
- Most appearances, goals and assists
- Major international titles
- 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América
- Tribute from Rodrigo De Paul
- He called Messi “the greatest of all time” and “eternal”
