Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after leading Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The 39-year-old confirmed the decision on Monday, describing it as painful but saying he believes it is the right time to step away.
Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and helped them reach another final in 2026, where they lost 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he had given everything to the national team and believes a new generation of Argentine players now deserves an opportunity.
“I love, I loved, and I will always love being on the national team,” Messi said in his statement.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 207 appearances and 125 goals. He also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Messi as one of the greatest players in football history, while former Argentina teammate Ángel Di María thanked him for choosing to represent Argentina despite having the option to play for Spain.
Messi’s international career began in 2005 when he was called up as an 18-year-old. After 21 years in the national team, his retirement marks the end of one of football’s most remarkable international careers.
Main Image: Boston Herald
