Messi Announces Retirement - Argentina Captain End International Career at 39

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his decision to end his international career at the age of 39, more than a month after his final appearance for the national team. Messi announces retirement after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, bringing an end to one of the longest international careers in modern football.

“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team…” Messi said in an Instagram post.

Messi leaves Argentina as the country's most-capped player and leading scorer, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals. His greatest achievement came in Qatar in 2022, when he captained Argentina to their third World Cup title. He later added another Copa América title in 2024 after helping the team win the competition three years earlier.

The announcement closes a chapter that had several difficult moments before Argentina's recent success. Messi had previously announced his retirement from international football in 2016 after Argentina lost three major finals in succession. He reversed that decision and remained with the national team for another decade.

Messi retires from International football after featuring at a record-equalling sixth World Cup. Argentina reached the 2026 final but could not retain their title, losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time.

“There’s not much time left and chapters are coming to a close; this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team,” Messi wrote. “I’ve given my all; I’ve nothing left to give, and besides, there are some brilliant young players coming through who deserve their place.”

Messi also referred to the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month. Jorge died in Rosario at the age of 68. Messi said he had written the retirement message shortly after the World Cup final but felt even more certain about the decision following his father's death.

The two-time World Cup Golden Ball winner finishes his tournament career with 21 goals, second on the all-time list behind Kylian Mbappé. His six World Cup appearances are level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most by any player.

The retirement applies to Argentina and does not signal the end of Messi's club career. The Inter Miami forward remains under contract for another two years and did not discuss his future at club level in the announcement.

“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only have dreamed of,” Messi wrote. “It was incredible to have experienced it all with you. I love you all!”

Also read: Messi Net Worth