Lionel Messi retires from international soccer after a decorated career
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Lionel Messi ended his international career with Argentina, marking the conclusion of a tenure that included three major final appearances in his early years and multiple trophies in his later seasons. His international journey began in 2005 and included a brief retirement following the 2016 Copa América Centenario loss to Chile. Upon returning to the team, he led Argentina through a period of dominance that featured a World Cup title, two Copa América trophies, and a Finalissima. During his second act, he recorded 95 caps, 70 goals, and 31 assists. The playmaker finished his national team career at the same East Rutherford, New Jersey, venue where Argentina lost the World Cup final earlier this year. His career in his 30s is cited as one of the most successful periods for an international player in soccer history.
- •Lionel Messi retired from international soccer following the conclusion of his Argentina career.
- •He recorded 70 goals and 31 assists during his second international stint.
- •The midfielder secured a World Cup title, two Copa América trophies, and a Finalissima in his later years.
- •His final international appearance took place in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
- 6:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — Lionel Messi in his 30s was one of the best international players ever | Jeff Rueter
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi in his 30s was one of the best international players ever
"In the decade after his short-lived first retirement, the Argentina talisman upended previous narratives and solidified his place in history Perhaps somewhere, in some dusty journal that’s surely been lost in Rosario, Lionel Messi made clear his destiny: that if he were to one day represent Argentina, his national team career must end in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A decade and two months before the playmaker posted his hand-written retirement from international football, Messi made his first attempt to leave La Albiceleste. They had just lost the Copa América Centenario – a special edition of the South American championship held in the United States for the tournament’s 100th anniversary – in excruciating fashion, with Messi having missed his attempt in a shootout defeat to Chile at East Rutherford, the same venue where Argentina lost this year’s World Cup final. It was the third consecutive major final that saw Argentina receive silver medals as parting gifts, after the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa América. Continue reading...
"In the decade after his short-lived first retirement, the Argentina talisman upended previous narratives and solidified his place in history
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportSep 1, 2026, 6:00 PMLionel Messi in his 30s was one of the best international players ever | Jeff Rueter
In the decade after his short-lived first retirement, the Argentina talisman upended previous narratives and solidified his place in history Perhaps somewhere, in some dusty journal that’s surely been lost in Rosario, Lionel Messi made clear his destiny: that if he were to one day represent Argentina, his national team career must end in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A decade and two months before the playmaker posted his hand-written retirement from international football, Messi made his first attempt to leave La Albiceleste. They had just lost the Copa América Centenario – a special edition of the South American championship held in the United States for the tournament’s 100th anniversary – in excruciating fashion, with Messi having missed his attempt in a shootout defeat to Chile at East Rutherford, the same venue where Argentina lost this year’s World Cup final. It was the third consecutive major final that saw Argentina receive silver medals as parting gifts, after the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa América. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 6:00 PMLionel Messi in his 30s was one of the best international players ever
In the decade after his short-lived first retirement, the Argentina talisman upended previous narratives and solidified his place in history
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