Lionel Messi retires from Argentina’s national team after 21 years
- On Monday, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's National Team, stating the decision "hurt" but he understands "the time has come."
- His decision follows the recent loss of his father, Jorge Messi, who served as his agent and career cornerstone, and Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final.
- Messi concludes his career as Argentina's most-capped player with 207 appearances, having captured the World Cup and two Copa titles in 2021 and 2024.
- Thanking Argentine fans, Messi wrote, "I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much," and expressed gratitude, saying "Thank you, God, for making me Argentine."
- Questioning his future in professional football, Messi wrote, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you," expressing uncertainty about continuing his playing career.
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Lionel Messi says he’s retiring from playing for Argentina - WXXV News 25
AP Photo/ Sergei Grits, FILEBy DÉBORA REY BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday after two decades representing Argentina. “It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deeply — but I understand that the time has come,” the 39-year-old Messi said on his Instagram account. “I swear to you that I always gave...
Lionel Messey, 39, announced that he had completed his career in Argentina, which he wrote about instagram.
Messi retires from International football after 21 years with Argentina
Lionel Messi has retired from international football at 39, ending a remarkable 21-year career with Argentina just weeks after leading the team to the 2026 World Cup final. He leaves as the nation’s record appearance holder and top scorer.
On his Instagram account this Monday, August 31, 2026, Lionel Messi formalized his international retreat. An important decision taken at the age of 39, a few weeks after Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final against Spain, and after the death of his father, Jorge, his support in sport since his debut.
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