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Lionel Messi retires from international soccer after Argentina career

ESPN Soccer • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 3:30 PM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Lionel Messi retires from international soccer after Argentina career
Summary

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on August 31, ending a 20-year career with the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old captained Argentina to a 2022 FIFA World Cup title and secured two Copa América trophies during his tenure. He made his final international appearance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina finished as runners-up following a 1-0 loss to Spain in extra time. Messi, who accumulated 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for his country, stated that he had nothing left to give the national squad. The decision follows the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, in August. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner intends to continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

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Key Details
  • •Lionel Messi retires after earning 207 caps and scoring 125 goals for Argentina.
  • •His final international match was the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain.
  • •The 39-year-old will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
  • •Messi previously retired from the national team in 2016 before returning to play.
Latest Updates
  • 4:19 PMESPN Soccer — Messi announces international retirement
  • 3:20 PMYahoo Sports — Confirmed: Barcelona legend Lionel Messi announces international retirement
  • 3:19 PMThe Guardian Sport — Argentina’s Lionel Messi retires from international football: ‘This hurts me a lot’
  • 3:19 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi retires from international football
  • 3:18 PMBBC Sport — Messi retires from international football
  • 3:17 PMCBS Sports — Lionel Messi announces international retirement: Argentina star won 2022 World Cup and was runner up in 2026
  • 3:16 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi retires from international competition, won't play for Argentina again
  • 3:16 PMYahoo Sports — 🚨 Breaking | Messi retires from Argentina: announcement and post
What they're saying
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Argentina great’s last game was in World Cup final Player’s father Jorge passed away earlier in August Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international duty with Argentina after winning 207 caps. Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, won the World Cup in 2022 and was a runner-up this summer and in 2014. He also secured two Copa América titles. Continue reading...

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In a shocking development, former Barcelona captain and club legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his career with the Argentina national tea...

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What had been in the air for some time has now become official: Leo Messi is retiring from the Argentina national team.Watch the entire Serie BKT live with LaB Channel on OneFootball: subscribe for ju...

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