Messi Retires from Argentina National Team Career

Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old forward and captain of the Argentina national team, has officially retired from international football after a remarkable 21-year career. He is Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances and led the team to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In a social media statement, Messi expressed that he has given everything to the national side and feels he has "nothing left to give." He acknowledged the emergence of talented young players who deserve their chance. Messi's retirement comes after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and following Argentina's defeat in the 2026 World Cup.

He had previously indicated he was considering his future in football after this personal loss. Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 and will continue to play at the club level with Inter Miami, where he has a contract until the end of the 2028 season.