Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina, Drawing Indian Celebrity Tributes
Lionel Messi said he will stop playing for Argentina's national soccer team.
He made this announcement on August 31, 2026, after playing for the team for 21 years.
Messi said leaving was very difficult because he loves representing Argentina.
He also said he feels peaceful and proud about his choice.
The recent death of his father made him more certain that it was time to leave.
Messi believes younger players should now have a chance to play.
He thanked his family, teammates and fans for supporting him.
Indian actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Indrajith Sukumaran shared messages for him.
Kareena and her sons had met Messi during his visit to Mumbai.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's national team on August 31, 2026, ending a 21-year international career.
Messi said the decision was painful but brought him peace and pride, especially after his father's recent death.
He said younger players deserved opportunities and that he had given everything to Argentina.
Messi leaves as Argentina's record appearance-maker and leading scorer, although the article gives differing figures for his totals.
Kareena Kapoor Khan and Indrajith Sukumaran joined Indian celebrities in paying tribute to Messi, whom Kareena and her sons met in Mumbai.
- Who
- Lionel Messi announced his retirement; Kareena Kapoor Khan and Indrajith Sukumaran were among the Indian celebrities who reacted.
- What
- Messi retired from Argentina's national football team after 21 years.
- When
- The announcement was made on August 31, 2026; Messi said he wrote the words on July 21, two days after the final.
- Where
- Messi made the announcement in an Instagram post; Kareena and her sons met him in Mumbai.
- Why
- Messi said the decision was painful but right, and that his father's recent death strengthened his conviction while younger players emerged.
- International career
- Messi represented Argentina for 21 years, beginning with his teenage debut in 2005.
- Argentina achievements
- He led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa America titles.
- World Cup record
- The article says Messi played in six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026 and scored 21 World Cup goals.
- 2026 tournament
- The article credits Messi with eight goals and four assists at the 2026 tournament.
- Career totals reported
- One section lists 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, while another lists 203 appearances and 124 goals.
- Mumbai meeting
- Kareena Kapoor Khan and her sons Taimur and Jeh met Messi during his three-day promotional tour of India in December 2025.
- Tributes
- Kareena posted red heart emojis on Messi's retirement post, while Indrajith Sukumaran shared Messi's emotional video.