Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 20-year career with Argentina to an end.
The 39-year-old leaves the national team as its all-time leading goalscorer and one of its most decorated players. His final chapter saw Argentina reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they lost 1–0 to Spain after extra time. Messi was still recognised among the tournament’s best players, winning the adidas Silver Ball and Silver Boot.
Messi’s greatest international achievement came in 2022 when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. He also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and Olympic gold in 2008.
His individual international honours include two FIFA World Cup Golden Balls in 2014 and 2022, two Copa América Best Player awards in 2015 and 2021, and the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He was also named the Best Young Player at the 2007 Copa América.
After years of heartbreak with Argentina, Messi leaves having finally delivered the country its biggest prize and established himself as one of the greatest international footballers of all time.
The Messi era in the blue and white is officially over.
