Football icon Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 21-year journey with the Argentina national team. Messi made his international debut in 2005 and went on to become Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, finishing his career with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
Messi’s international career reached its greatest heights in the latter part of his journey. He led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title, the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar and the 2024 Copa América crown. He also guided Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, although the team fell to Spain in the title clash.
With his retirement, one of the most celebrated chapters in international football comes to a close. Messi leaves Argentina with a record 125 goals and 207 appearances, along with a lasting legacy built on individual brilliance, major trophies and his transformation from a player once questioned by fans into one of the country’s greatest footballing icons. Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami.