Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Messi Retires From Argentina Football After Extraordinary International Career
Lionel Messi has stopped playing international football for Argentina.
He played 207 matches for the national team, more than any other Argentine player.
He also scored 125 goals, which is Argentina’s highest total.
Messi helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He also won two Copa América titles.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanked Messi for inspiring fans and making football special.
Messi’s last international match was Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
He will keep playing club football for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi retired from international football after making a record 207 appearances for Argentina.
Messi scored 125 goals for Argentina, making him the national team’s all-time leading scorer.
His international honors include the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Messi’s talent, humility, influence and achievements in an Instagram tribute.
Messi’s final international appearance was Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, and he will continue playing for Inter Miami.
- Who
- Lionel Messi and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- What
- Messi retired from international football, prompting Infantino to publish a tribute.
- When
- Messi ended his Argentina career on Monday; the report does not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Infantino posted the tribute on Instagram. Messi’s final international appearance was in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
- Why
- Infantino said he was honoring Messi’s extraordinary career, achievements, influence and ability to unite fans.
- Argentina appearances
- 207, a national-team record
- Argentina goals
- 125, the national team’s all-time record
- Major honors
- 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles
- World Cup record
- Most FIFA World Cup appearances in history
- Final international match
- Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final
- Tribute platform
- Club future
- Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami
