Messi announces retirement from international football
Argentina great Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying it was a decision that 'hurt' but he understands 'the time has come'. The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. In a statement on Instagram, Messi said he has given everything to the national side, but now he has 'nothing left to give'.
What we know
His father, Jorge, died in August 2026.
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Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team via social media.
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Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026.
His contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season.
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He led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, which they lost 1-0 to Spain.
He led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup.
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The announcement was made via Instagram.
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He is 39 years old.
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Lionel Messi, Argentina's all-time leading scorer, has announced his retirement from international football, saying the time has come.
Verified · 2 sourcesLive reports
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