BREAKING: Messi Retires From International Football

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an extraordinary 21-year Argentina career to an end. 
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.

His international legacy includes:
2022 FIFA World Cup champion
Copa América champion — 2021 & 2024
Finalissima 2022
Olympic gold — 2008
125 goals in 207 appearances

Six World Cup tournaments
His final appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1–0 to Spain.

In announcing his decision, Messi said it was painful but that he understood “the time has come.” He also acknowledged the emergence of younger players ready to take his place.

Importantly, this is international retirement only. Messi remains a professional club footballer with Inter Miami, where his contract runs through 2028.