Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an extraordinary 21-year career with the national team to an end. Messi said the decision was painful, but he believes it is the right time to step away.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the country's most-capped player and leading scorer, making 207 appearances and scoring 125 goals.
As captain, Messi helped Argentina win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Argentina also reached the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost to Spain, marking Messi's final appearance for the national side.
Messi's announcement does not mean retirement from football altogether. He is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami.
