Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an emotional end to one of the greatest careers in Argentina’s history. The decision comes after an extraordinary journey with the national team that included six World Cup appearances and the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. Messi also guided Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they were beaten by Spain, before ultimately deciding that the time had come to close his international chapter. His departure marks the end of an era for a player who spent more than two decades representing his country.

Messi leaves Argentina as the nation’s most capped player and all-time leading scorer, having recorded 125 goals in 207 international appearances. His achievements transformed the final stage of his national-team career, particularly after years of disappointment in major finals. He helped Argentina end a 28-year wait for a major trophy by winning the 2021 Copa América, successfully defended the continental title in 2024, and then delivered the World Cup in 2022, ending a 36-year wait for Argentina’s third world title. Messi had previously announced his international retirement in 2016 after another difficult final, but later returned and went on to enjoy the most successful period in the country’s modern football history.

The retirement decision has generated an emotional response throughout Argentina and the wider football community. Messi’s family, teammates, national football officials and global sporting figures have all paid tribute to his influence, leadership and extraordinary contribution to the national team. His relationship with Argentina became especially meaningful after overcoming years of criticism and setbacks to become the central figure of a golden generation. The support from figures such as Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and FIFA president Gianni Infantino reflects the lasting impact Messi has had both on his teammates and on football as a whole.

For Argentina, Messi’s departure represents the closing of a remarkable chapter while opening the door for a younger generation to take greater responsibility. His legacy extends far beyond goals and trophies, as he helped restore national pride and created unforgettable memories for supporters around the world. Having experienced both painful defeats and historic victories, Messi leaves the national team with a record that is unlikely to be matched easily. Argentina must now prepare for life without its iconic captain, while Messi begins a new phase away from international football after achieving many of the greatest honours available to a player.