Lionel Messi announced his farewell to the Argentine national football team through a social media post, one month and 12 days after the 2026 World Cup final lost to Spain 0-1. The 39-year-old player communicated the decision after a long period of reflection, writing that he intended to "communicate to everyone that I am retiring from the national team."
Messi made his debut for the Albiceleste on August 17, 2005, when he was just 18 years old. Throughout his international career, he became the record holder for most matches played for Argentina, with 207 appearances, as well as the top scorer, with 125 goals, and the player with the most assists, 66.
For the Argentine national team, Messi achieved the long-awaited World Cup championship title in 2022, also winning two editions of the Copa América, in 2021 and 2024, as well as the Finalissima in 2022. This collection of titles represented the consolidation of an exceptional international career, which now comes to an end.
