Argentina Pays Tribute as Lionel Messi Ends International Career

Argentina has responded with widespread tributes after Lionel Messi confirmed the end of his international career. The Guardian reported that the 39-year-old announced his decision on Monday, seven weeks after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in the United States. His club career with Inter Miami is continuing.

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Messi shared images on Instagram of notes he had written on July 21, two days after the final. According to The Guardian, he said the decision remained painful but that he believed the time had come to step aside, with younger players ready for opportunities. He also said the death of his father, Jorge, in early August had left him more certain about retiring from national-team duty.

The decision closes an Argentina career that began with a senior debut against Hungary in August 2005. Messi finishes as the country's record holder for both appearances and goals, with 207 caps and 125 goals. Before reaching the senior side, he won the Under-20 World Cup and later earned an Olympic gold medal in 2008.

His long wait for senior international silverware ended at the 2021 Copa America in Brazil. Messi then captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, scoring in every knockout round and twice in the final against France. Argentina retained the Copa America in 2024, adding another major title to his international record.

Former teammates were among those marking the announcement. The Guardian reported tributes from Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo de Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, each thanking Messi for the years they shared with him and the happiness he brought to supporters. Current and former Argentina players described the retirement as the end of a defining period for the national team.

Messi has not retired from football altogether. He has continued playing for Inter Miami since the World Cup and scored four goals in the club's 7-1 Major League Soccer win over Montreal on Saturday. His Inter Miami contract runs through 2028, meaning the close of his Argentina career is separate from any decision about when he will stop playing at club level.