Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Messi Announces International Retirement After Argentina World Cup Defeat
Lionel Messi has decided to stop playing international football for Argentina.
This means he will no longer wear Argentina’s famous striped shirt in major international matches.
He is 39 years old, and playing against strong teams has become harder physically.
Messi has already won many of football’s biggest prizes, including the World Cup and Copa America.
He scored 125 goals in 207 matches for Argentina.
He also played in six World Cups.
The recent death of his father, Jorge, reportedly made him question how much longer he wanted to play.
Messi will still play club football for Inter Miami in the United States.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina.
The 39-year-old played 207 matches for Argentina and scored 125 goals.
Messi appeared at six World Cups and won the World Cup and Copa America.
He holds the record for scoring across every knockout stage and the group stage of a World Cup.
Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina’s record international goalscorer and appearance-maker.
- What
- Messi announced his retirement from international football but will continue playing club football.
- When
- He made the announcement on the last day of the month, about two months after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat; his father died on August 8.
- Where
- Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer in the United States.
- Why
- The article cites Messi’s age, the physical demands of international football, his many achievements, and the emotional impact of his father’s death.
- Age
- 39
- Argentina appearances
- 207 matches
- Argentina goals
- 125 goals
- World Cups
- Six
- Major international titles
- World Cup and Copa America
- Club
- Inter Miami
- League
- Major League Soccer