Lionel Messi Retires from International Football After 21 Years with Argentina

James A. Abi · September 8, 2026 · 162 views 3 min read

The Argentina captain made the announcement on social media on Monday, 31 August 2026, explaining that he had written the decision on 21 July, just two days after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He had waited more than a month before sharing it publicly.

"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down," Messi wrote. "But I understand that it is the right time."

A Career in Numbers

Messi leaves the national team with a staggering record: 207 appearances and 125 goals, making him Argentina's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. He also provided 68 assists during his international career.

His World Cup numbers are equally remarkable:

6 World Cups – He and Cristiano Ronaldo became the first men to play in six editions
34 World Cup appearances – The most by any player in men's World Cup history
21 World Cup goals – Second on the all-time list behind France's Kylian Mbappé
23 World Cup wins – An outright record
9 consecutive World Cup appearances with a goal – A record spanning Qatar 2022 and the 2026 tournament

He became only the second player, after Brazil's Cafu, to appear in three different men's World Cup finals, having won in 2022, and been a runner-up in 2014 and 2026.

From Heartbreak to Glory

Messi's international story is one of persistence and redemption. His debut in 2005 lasted only seconds before a red card, and he endured repeated heartbreak as Argentina lost four major finals between 2007 and 2016.

After losing the 2016 Copa America final to Chile, Messi briefly retired, telling reporters: "For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, I've been in four finals, and it hurts not to be a champion." Six weeks later, he reversed his decision, saying his "love for the country and this shirt is too great."

That decision proved pivotal. Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi finally lifted his first major trophy at the 2021 Copa America, beating Brazil in the final at the Maracana. Then came the crowning achievement: the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored seven goals and three assists, including a brace in the final against France, before converting his penalty in the shootout to deliver Argentina's first World Cup in 36 years.

Messi added another Copa America title in 2024, and at 39, he defied his age to score eight goals in Argentina's first five games at the 2026 World Cup, inspiring the team to another final.

Messi stands shoulder to shoulder with Diego Maradona, a compatriot with whom he was so often compared, and Brazil icon Pelé as the greatest players of all time.

Why Now?

Messi cited two reasons for his decision. The first was the belief that a new generation of young talent deserves the opportunity to represent Argentina. The second was the death of his father, Jorge, on 8 August, which he said made him "even more convinced" that the time had come.

"I love, I loved, and I will always love being on the national team," he wrote. "I gave everything I had, I have nothing more to give."

Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he has a contract until 2028. Argentina has announced that all football matches in the country will pause in the 10th minute for a minute-long applause in tribute to the departing captain.

With reporting from Xinhua, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, The New York Times and various international media sources.