Lionel Messi announces Argentina retirement at 39 after 2026 World Cup final | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has announced his international retirement at 39, ending more than 20 years with Argentina. The player said in a post that the decision followed extensive reflection, made public on Monday.

His announcement came two days after the 2026 World Cup final, which Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain after extra time. He had already chosen to stop, though he had not made it public until now.

First capped in 2005, Messi made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for the Albiceleste, the most in both categories. He won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, then the 2022 World Cup.

At the 2026 tournament he captained Argentina, scored eight goals to finish second behind Kylian Mbappé, and supplied four assists before defeat to Spain in the final.

The death of his father, Jorge Messi, strengthened his resolve to retire. The decision is painful but, in his view, necessary, as he feels he has nothing left to give and believes outstanding youngsters deserve their chance. He closed with a message of thanks to his country.

Source: L'Équipe

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