Messi Retires from Argentina International Football

Lionel Messi retired from the Argentina national team on Aug. 31, posting the announcement on Instagram. He said he made the decision two days after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.

• 207 appearances for Argentina — second most by any men's international.
• 125 international goals scored across more than two decades.
• 39 years old, Messi holds an Inter Miami contract through the 2028 MLS season.
• His father, Jorge Messi, died in August at age 68 after a long illness.

Why it matters: Messi delayed announcing the retirement because of his father's health, then said Jorge's death made him 'even more convinced' the time had come.

• He won the 2022 World Cup, back-to-back Copa América titles, and reached three World Cup finals total.
• He finishes as the second-leading World Cup scorer all-time, behind Kylian Mbappé.

How 55 sources split on this story

What’s next: Messi will remain with Inter Miami, whose MLS season continues through 2028.

• In his statement, he cited younger Argentine players as ready to take his place.
• Who will captain Argentina going forward, and how quickly can the team replace Messi's production?
• Whether the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain would have prompted retirement absent his father's death remains unclear.