Lionel Messi retires from international football after World Cup final loss to Spain | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has retired from international football at 39 after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

He shared the news on Instagram with an image of a handwritten note in Spanish. His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, posted a heartfelt tribute on the platform, praising his perseverance across two decades.

Messi departs as Argentina’s record appearance maker and top scorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals. He also holds the men’s South American scoring record.

He featured at six World Cups, spearheading Argentina’s triumph in Qatar in 2022 before leading them to the 2026 final.

This is his second international retirement. He stepped away in 2016 after successive final defeats, then returned to end a 28-year wait for the Copa America in 2021 and lift the trophy again in 2024.

Messi’s era with Argentina is over, closing a storied chapter for the national team.

Source: Goal.com

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