The latest

Lionel Messi has retired from international football aged 39, closing an Argentina career spanning 207 appearances, 125 goals and three major trophies. His final match was the 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain, after which he wrote that the decision “hurts deep in my soul” but that “the time has come.” The Inter Miami forward said he leaves with pride after giving everything to the national team and will continue supporting Argentina from the sidelines.

Details

• Final appearance: Spain restricted Argentina to two shots across 120 minutes in July’s final, including one blocked attempt from Messi, before Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute. Messi became the second man after Brazil’s Cafu to play in three World Cup finals, following Argentina’s defeat in 2014 and triumph in 2022.
• Tournament return: Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists. He placed second to France captain Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race and received the Silver Ball, behind Golden Ball winner Rodri. It was his sixth World Cup, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for men’s tournament appearances.
• Record numbers: Messi retires as Argentina’s leading appearance maker and scorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals. He scored 21 times at World Cups and 14 at Copa America tournaments. His 35 major-tournament goals exceeded Diego Maradona’s Argentina total of 34, while 15 of his World Cup goals came after he turned 35.
• World Cup mark: He briefly became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer after surpassing Miroslav Klose’s 16 goals with the opener in a 2-0 group-stage victory over Austria. Mbappe subsequently scored twice against England in the third-place play-off, moving the France captain to 22 World Cup goals.
• Trophy years: Captain since 2011, Messi led Argentina to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 World Cup, the country’s first global crown since 1986. He scored seven goals during the Qatar campaign and won an eighth Ballon d’Or. He also received the World Cup Golden Ball in 2014 and 2022.
• Personal decision: Messi wrote his retirement statement on July 21, two days after the final, and announced it following the death of his father, Jorge, aged 68 on August 8. He thanked his family, coaches, team-mates, officials and supporters for accompanying him through two decades with Argentina. He remains contracted to Inter Miami for another two years.

Background

Messi debuted against Hungary in August 2005 and was sent off within two minutes. He briefly retired from international football in 2016 after Argentina lost three consecutive finals, then returned to lead its most successful period in decades. Across his international career, he played alongside 187 different team-mates.

What’s next

Argentina’s next major tournament, the 2028 Copa America, will be their first without Messi. He will continue with Inter Miami under his remaining two-year contract.