Lionel Messi retires from international soccer after career with Argentina
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 12:01 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Lionel Messi has retired from international soccer at the age of 39. The Inter Miami forward concluded his career with the national team having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances. During his tenure, he captained Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022 and secured two Copa America trophies in 2021 and 2024. Figures across the sport, including David Beckham and Jose Mourinho, acknowledged the significance of his departure from the international stage. Former teammates such as Angel di Maria, Cristian Romero, and Enzo Fernandez credited Messi for his leadership during what they described as the golden era of the national team. Fifa president Gianni Infantino noted that Messi redefined the game during his international tenure.
- •Lionel Messi retires from international soccer at age 39.
- •He recorded 125 goals in 207 total appearances for Argentina.
- •Messi captained the team to a World Cup title in 2022.
- •He won Copa America championships in 2021 and 2024.
- •David Beckham and Jose Mourinho issued public tributes following the announcement.
- 12:01 PMYahoo Sports — Beckham and Mourinho pay tribute to Messi
- 12:01 PMBBC Sport — Beckham and Mourinho pay tribute to Messi
"Former England captain Sir David Beckham says Lionel Messi has inspired "millions of children worldwide," following the Argentine retiring from international football.
"Former England captain Sir David Beckham says Lionel Messi has inspired "millions of children worldwide," following the Argentine retiring from international football.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 12:01 PMBeckham and Mourinho pay tribute to Messi
Former England captain Sir David Beckham says Lionel Messi has inspired "millions of children worldwide," following the Argentine retiring from international football.
- BBC SportSep 1, 2026, 12:01 PMBeckham and Mourinho pay tribute to Messi
Former England captain Sir David Beckham says Lionel Messi has inspired "millions of children worldwide," following the Argentine retiring from international football.
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