Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after Argentina reached their second consecutive World Cup final in July.
The 39-year-old said the decision was painful but felt it was the right time, adding that he had always given his best for Argentina. Messi guided the team to the 2022 World Cup title but lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 final.
Following the death of his father, Jorge, on August 8, Messi had expressed “serious doubts” about continuing his football career for much longer.
Messi’s Inter Miami contract runs until the end of the 2028 season. Despite Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, his legacy remains secure with a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Messi thrilled Barcelona fans with his dribbling, goalscoring and playmaking before leaving the club in tears in August 2021 amid its financial struggles.
He moved to Paris Saint-Germain later that year, winning the French league but no further Champions League titles.
At the 2022 World Cup, Messi won the Golden Ball and guided Argentina to their first title in 36 years, emulating Diego Maradona.
He joined Inter Miami in 2023 and later extended his contract through the 2028 MLS season. The Argentine Football Association praised his national-team legacy, saying he had inspired generations and become part of Argentina’s identity.
