Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football

Lionel Messi, star player for Argentina and Inter Miami, has retired from the international game at the age of 39.

The news of his retirement was made public via a post by famous football journalist Fabrizio Romano on the platform X after Messi’s retirement from Argentina’s national team.

Messi’s decision comes after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New York/New Jersey on July 19.

The legendary forward, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, leaves the national team after more than two decades of international football.

Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to make 207 appearances for the national team, scoring 125 goals. He won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and another Copa América title, establishing himself as one of the greatest players in international football history.

His final international appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, where Argentina suffered defeat after extra time.

Messi said the decision was painful but necessary, adding that he had given everything to the Argentina shirt and believed it was time to make way for a new generation.

Although he has retired from international football, Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami.