Lionel Messi Announces International Retirement After Historic Argentina Career

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, ending one of the most decorated careers in the history of the game.

Messi made the announcement on Monday, saying the decision was painful but that he believed it was the right time to step away after leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup finals.

The Argentina captain guided his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, defeating France on penalties after a thrilling final, before losing 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 final.

His international achievements also include winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima and an Olympic gold medal with Argentina, while he became the country's all-time leading scorer and appearance holder.

At club level, Messi enjoyed a record-breaking spell with Barcelona, winning multiple La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and seven Ballon d'Or awards during his career before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami.

Messi, whose Inter Miami contract runs until the end of the 2028 season, leaves international football after years of major individual and team honours and having established himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time.