Lionel Messi announced on August 31, 2026, that he is retiring from international football, posting a handwritten letter on Instagram describing it as a "decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time" [1, 2, 3, 4]. The 39-year-old finishes his international career as Argentina's most capped player with 207 appearances and all-time top scorer with 125 goals [1, 5, 4].
Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and played in six World Cups from 2006 to 2026, tying the record for most tournament appearances with Cristiano Ronaldo [1, 5, 6]. He scored 8 goals in the 2026 World Cup, second only to Kylian Mbappe with 10 goals [1]. Argentina lost in the 2026 final to Spain in New Jersey, having previously reached the final in 2014 but lost to Germany [1, 5, 6].
Throughout his international career, Messi set multiple records including most World Cup appearances (34), most Copa America appearances (39), most Player of the Match awards at World Cups (11), most hat-tricks for Argentina (11), most World Cup assists, and most World Cup penalty goals [5].
His decision to retire was influenced in part by the death of his father Jorge in August 2026 [1, 3, 4]. Messi also wrote, "I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of" [1]. Fans and teammates across Argentina expressed deep gratitude for his career, with one Buenos Aires fan saying, "I’m 86 years old and you have given me the greatest joys in my life. You will be in my heart until the day I die" [2].
Messi began his Argentina career in August 2005 at age 18 and briefly retired internationally in 2016 before returning six weeks later, citing his love for his country [7, 6]. His club career at Inter Miami will continue with a contract through the 2028 MLS season [1, 4].
