Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team after 207 caps and 125 goals

The farewell announcement

Lionel Messi confirmed his retirement from international football on 31 August 2026 through a message published on Instagram. The 39-year-old forward shared photographs of three handwritten pages composed two days after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the World Cup final on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Messi stated in his letter that he had nothing else left to give to the national squad after two decades in the albiceleste jersey. The announcement followed the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in mid-August 2026. While ending his international tenure, Messi continues his active club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia released an official statement honouring the departing team captain:

You made us believe in magic. And perhaps that's why we find it hard to accept that time marches on for you too. The Argentina national team shirt is your flag. And our people's love for you will last forever.

Career record and milestones

Messi concludes his international career with 207 caps and 125 goals, wearing the captain's armband in 133 of those matches. His senior international debut took place on 17 August 2005 in a friendly against Hungary at Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest, where he entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute and received a red card in the 65th minute. Across six World Cup tournaments between 2006 and 2026, he secured two Copa America trophies and the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar. Messi had previously announced an international retirement after losing the 2016 Copa America final before reversing that decision ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In his final World Cup tournament in 2026, Messi scored eight goals to bring Argentina to the final against Spain.

Team reactions and manager emotion

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was overcome with emotion and wept during the post-match press conference following the final on 19 July in New Jersey, leaving the room unable to speak. Following the official retirement announcement, current and former teammates shared messages reflecting on his leadership. Midfielder Leandro Paredes expressed gratitude on social media, writing that words were insufficient to capture his ex-captain's legacy. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez noted that future training camps without Messi wearing the number 10 jersey felt unimaginable. Forward Lautaro Martinez credited Messi with demonstrating how to respond to setbacks with quiet work. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also praised Messi for providing an enduring example to footballers worldwide.

Thank you for everything you did for me. As an Argentine, as a supporter of the national team, as a teammate and as a friend.

Street tributes in Buenos Aires

Supporters gathered across Argentina to honour Messi following the announcement on Monday. In the La Boca neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, fans queued to take photographs beside large murals depicting Messi holding the 2022 World Cup trophy. Municipal authorities illuminated landmarks across the capital in the national colours of sky blue and white. On one Buenos Aires street corner, an installation featuring a red telephone let residents of all ages record personal messages of gratitude. The Argentine Football Association announced plans to organize a farewell match in his honour, although FIFA regulations prevent the federation from retiring his number 10 jersey.