Breaking News: Lionel Messi Retires From International Football

Eight-time Ballon d'Or Winner Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football at age 39.

The Argentine superstar made the decision to resign from the national team on Monday, August 31, 2026 through a statement issued on his official social media handle.

Lionel Messi wrote: “After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team…”

"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”

"I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”

"There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.”

"Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.”

His decision to retire comes barely two months after leading the Argentine National Team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup grand final and emerging as runners-up.

Throughout his 21 years spent with the national team, Messi won major trophies including FIFA World Cup: 2022, Copa América: 2021, 2024 and CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions 2022.

The World Football icon played 207 matches, scored 125 goals, and provided 68 assists for the senior Argentina national team.