Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football at age 39, closing a historic 21-year tenure with the Argentina national team.
The decision was confirmed on August 31, 2026, marking the end of a career that featured 207 appearances and 125 goals for La Albiceleste.
He leaves as both the most-capped player and the leading goalscorer in his country’s history.
Messi’s international legacy includes captaining Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, winning back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, securing the 2022 Finalissima, and earning an Olympic gold medal in 2008.
His final appearance for the national team came during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in July.
