Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina Duty After 207 Appearances

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending an Argentina career that spanned more than two decades. BBC Sport reported that the 39-year-old said the decision was painful but that the time had come to step aside, adding that younger players deserved their opportunity.

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Messi said he had drafted his retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. According to the BBC, he published the announcement on Monday and said the recent death of his father, Jorge, following a long illness had made him more certain of the decision.

The forward finishes as Argentina's record holder for both appearances and goals, with 125 goals in 207 matches. He captained the national team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and also won two Copa America titles. His international scoring total ranks second in men's football behind Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, while his 21 World Cup goals are one fewer than France's Kylian Mbappe.

Messi remained productive at his final World Cup, scoring eight goals and providing four assists during Argentina's run to the final. The tournament lifted his career World Cup assist total to 12, including 10 in knockout matches, figures cited by BBC Sport as unmatched in the available records.

His international career began in 2005 with an eventful debut against Hungary. Introduced as a substitute in a 2-1 friendly victory, Messi was sent off less than a minute later after his arm caught defender Vilmos Vanczak. He first retired from Argentina duty after the 2016 Copa America final defeat by Chile, but reversed that decision and later led the country through its most successful stretch of his career.

Messi thanked Argentina supporters for their backing over the past 20 years and said he would now follow the team from the sidelines. His retirement applies only to international football: he is set to continue at club level with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where his current contract runs through the end of the 2028 season.