Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina National Football Team

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national football team on Monday, August 31, 2026.

This decision comes just over a month after Argentina lost its second FIFA World Cup final in the last three editions of the global showpiece. Messi, 39, helped Argentina reach the final of the 2026 World Cup, directly contributing to 12 of Argentina’s 19 goals, scoring eight times and assisting on four occasions. Argentina ultimately lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.

Messi had previously retired from international football in 2016, when he had not won any silverware with Argentina. He now departs as a highly decorated World Cup winner, having secured the FIFA World Cup in 2022. In announcing his departure, Messi stated, "Time runs out, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team."

He added that he had given it their all and that some really great young players deserve their chance. Messi also hinted at a complete retirement from soccer in the near future. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes stated that Messi’s retirement is a reason he will weigh up his own future with the national team. Paredes recently received a 10-match suspension for his role in a brawl following the World Cup final defeat by Spain.

Fans across Argentina are paying tribute to Messi, with a Messi-shaped schnitzel on the menu in Buenos Aires. David Beckham said Messi’s legacy will live forever. Messi leaves the national team after 21 years as its record scorer and most-capped player.