By Emeka Dennar
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest international careers the sport has ever seen.
The Argentina captain, who made his senior debut in 2005, leaves the national team after 21 remarkable years, having scored a record 125 goals in 207 appearances. No player in Argentina’s history has featured in more matches or scored more goals for the Albiceleste.
Messi’s decision comes just weeks after leading Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal to hand La Roja their second world title and deny Argentina back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had already hinted that the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico would likely be his last on the international stage. With the next World Cup scheduled for 2030, when he would be 43 years old, many expected the final in July to be his farewell appearance for Argentina.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Messi confirmed his retirement, revealing that he had initially written the message on July 21, just two days after the World Cup final defeat. He explained that the loss was painful but admitted he had reached a point where he had “nothing left to give” to the national team.
The decision was further influenced by the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away in Rosario after a long illness. Jorge had played a pivotal role throughout his son’s career and also served as his agent for many years.
“Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before,” Messi wrote on Monday.
Messi retires from international football having achieved virtually everything possible with Argentina. After years of near misses, he finally ended his wait for major international silverware by winning the Copa America in 2021, defeating Brazil in the final at the Maracana Stadium.
He followed that triumph by captaining Argentina to victory in the inaugural Finalissima against Italy in 2022 before leading his country to World Cup glory in Qatar later that year, defeating France in one of the most memorable finals in football history.
Messi added another Copa America title in 2024, further cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats.
His international journey included appearances at six World Cups and numerous Copa America tournaments, earning him countless individual accolades along the way. He also won Olympic gold with Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Games and lifted the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, meaning he leaves the international stage having won trophies at youth, Olympic and senior levels.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, Messi’s retirement marks the end of an era for Argentina and world football. His legacy is defined not only by records and trophies but also by the inspiration he provided to generations of players and fans around the globe.
With 125 goals, 207 caps, a World Cup title, two Copa America crowns, an Olympic gold medal and countless unforgettable moments, Messi leaves Argentina as its most decorated and influential footballer ever.
