Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football aged 39, bringing an unforgettable chapter to an end. Having won the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 Finalissima, 2008 Summer Olympics Gold Medal, FIFA U-20 World Cup, and Copa America twice with Argentina, Messi bids goodbye after an illustrious career with his country.
“Leo” as he is fondly known, made his debut in the international stage on August 17, 2005, and has since been the most consequential player for Argentina, scoring 125 goals across his 21-year stint with the South Americans.
He built one of the greatest international football careers in history, concluding his journey with the Argentina national team as its most decorated, highest-scoring and most-capped player. Messi’s individual awards and accolades with La Albiceleste (Argentina) are unmatched, having won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball twice in 2014 and 2022 as the tournament’s best player.
He also won the FIFA World Cup Silver Ball once in 2026, FIFA World Cup Silver Boot twice in 2022 and 2026, and Copa America Golden Ball twice in 2015 and 2021. He also holds the record for most capped player in World Cup history, with 34 appearances across six tournament editions (2006-2026).
In his farewell letter, Messi says, “After all this time since the final, after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”
Messi remains a legend of the game with a rich history not just in international football but also club football. He won eight Ballon d’Or titles, an annual football award presented by France Football Magazine to the best player in the world, six while at Barcelona, one at PSG and one during his time at Inter Miami.
He won 34 trophies including 4 UEFA champions Leagues with Barcelona, 3 trophies with PSG and 3 trophies with Inter Miami.
“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamt of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. Vamos Argentina!”
He wrote.
