Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi has announced that he is retiring from international play following the 2026 World Cup.
Breaking: Lionel Messi announced that he is retiring from the Argentina national team. pic.twitter.com/AKlQtS5g7i
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 31, 2026
🚨🇦🇷 BREAKING NEWS: LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2026
Messi will not play for Argentina national team anymore. pic.twitter.com/KaiZ5Pwrw9
Messi Retires from the Argentina National Team 🐐 pic.twitter.com/MNQUEaRKQW
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) August 31, 2026
Messi first joined the Argentine national side in 2005, where he secured 207 appearances and a country-high 125 goals over a 21-year career. He was the youngest Argentine player to appear and score a goal in the World Cup. He netted 11 hat tricks across his international appearances, and he is currently second in all-time World Cup scoring as well as the assists leader for the tournament. He has won a number of international accolades, including the 2022 World Cup. He led his team to a second straight World Cup Final appearance in 2026, where his team fell to Spain 1-0 in extra time.
"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,” the soccer star wrote on social media. “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”
While taking a step back from his international duties, Messi will continue playing at his Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. His current contract is set to expire in December of 2028.
