Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 21-year career with the national team.
The 39-year-old confirmed his decision on Monday, several weeks after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi made his senior international debut in 2005 and went on to become Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
He guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar and also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
Explaining his decision, Messi said he had given everything to the national team and believed the time had come to step aside and allow younger players to take over.
The forward admitted that the decision was painful but said he was proud of everything he achieved with Argentina.
Messi had initially announced his retirement from international football in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa América final to Chile, but later reversed the decision.
His return eventually led to a remarkable period of success, culminating in Argentina ending their long wait for a World Cup title in 2022.
Messi leaves the national team as one of the most decorated players in international football history, having represented Argentina at six World Cups.
He is expected to continue his club career with Inter Mia
