Lionel Messi Retires from International Football at 39 After 21-Year Argentina Career
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at age 39 after Argentina's 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Prasanth Subramani
Lionel Messi Retires from International Football at 39!
Argentina's legendary captain Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39. He made the announcement after Argentina suffered a 1–0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
During his remarkable 21-year international career, Messi represented Argentina in 207 matches and scored 125 goals. He played a pivotal role in Argentina's major international triumphs, including the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
Messi fulfilled his long-standing dream of winning the FIFA World Cup when he led Argentina to the title in 2022. He also guided the team to the 2026 World Cup final, extending his remarkable legacy on the international stage.
Although Messi has announced his retirement from international football, he is expected to continue playing at club level.
Messi leaves international football as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, having built an extraordinary legacy with Argentina over more than two decades.
