Lionel Messi retires from the Argentina national soccer team
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 4:34 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national soccer team on Monday, ending a career that spanned more than two decades. The 39-year-old forward recorded 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country. His final international match was a 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final held in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Messi previously led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022 and two Copa America titles. The decision follows the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August, which prompted the player to express doubts regarding his future in professional soccer. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through the 2028 season, though he has not specified how much longer he will continue to play at the club level.
- •Lionel Messi appeared in six World Cups over 21 years of international play.
- •He scored 125 goals in 207 total appearances for Argentina.
- •Argentina lost to Spain 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
- •Messi remains active with his club team, Inter Miami.
- •The retirement follows the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on Aug. 8.
- 5:37 PMYahoo Sports — By the numbers: A look at Lionel Messi's 21 years with Argentina
- 4:52 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina national team
- 4:34 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi says he is retiring from the Argentina national soccer team
- 4:31 PMYahoo Sports — Six defining moments of Lionel Messi's Argentina career
- 4:29 PMYahoo Sports — It 'hurts' says Messi as he retires from international football
"Lionel Messi said on Monday he was retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July.Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago by winning the final against France in a penalty shootout in Doha, but his side were defeated 1-0 by a superior Spain side in the 2026 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
"Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, six weeks on from Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final and after over 200 appearances for his country stretching across more than two decades.Six weeks later Messi changed his mind and agreed to come out of his brief international retirement.
"Lionel Messi has graced a soccer field with Argentina for the last time. Arguably the greatest player of all time, Messi announced his retirement from the international game on Monday to bring an end to 21 years of service for his country. Messi won the World Cup once, in Qatar in 2022.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 5:37 PMBy the numbers: A look at Lionel Messi's 21 years with Argentina
Lionel Messi has graced a soccer field with Argentina for the last time. Arguably the greatest player of all time, Messi announced his retirement from the international game on Monday to bring an end to 21 years of service for his country. Messi won the World Cup once, in Qatar in 2022.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 4:52 PMLionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina national team
Messi led the Argentina team to the final at the 2026 World Cup.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 4:34 PMLionel Messi says he is retiring from the Argentina national soccer team
Lionel Messi played in six World Cups and led Argentina to win the tournament in 2022 in Qatar.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 4:31 PMSix defining moments of Lionel Messi's Argentina career
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, six weeks on from Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final and after over 200 appearances for his country stretching across more than two decades.Six weeks later Messi changed his mind and agreed to come out of his brief international retirement.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 4:29 PMIt 'hurts' says Messi as he retires from international football
Lionel Messi said on Monday he was retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July.Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago by winning the final against France in a penalty shootout in Doha, but his side were defeated 1-0 by a superior Spain side in the 2026 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLS•Aug 31, 2026, 5:56 PMTeam of the Matchday: Messi makes magic, Cavan crafts history
MLS•Aug 31, 2026, 4:11 PMVote for Goal of the Matchday – MLS Matchday 23
MLS•Aug 30, 2026, 8:30 PMColumbus Crew vs New England Revolution- MLS•Aug 30, 2026, 6:13 PMPitt Panthers build excitement for upcoming football season during annual kickoff luncheon
MLS•Aug 30, 2026, 2:56 PMHansi Flick backing Lamine Yamal to regain top form for Barcelona
MLS•Aug 30, 2026, 12:49 PMEvery time Messi has scored 4 goals (or more!) for Barcelona, Miami and Argentina