Lionel Messi ended his 20-year career with the Argentina national team by publishing a farewell statement on social media on August 31, 2026, confirming his retirement at age 39 after making 207 appearances and scoring 125 goals. The decision followed Argentina’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and the recent death of his father, with the star forward stating that he had emptied himself completely and needed to make room for younger talent.
Two Decades in the Albiceleste
Messi debuted for the senior national team in 2005 and went on to appear in six editions of the FIFA World Cup. His international career reached its zenith in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup, where he won the title. He also secured Copa América crowns in 2021 and 2024, alongside a victory in the 2022 Finalíssima against Italy.
With 207 matches and 125 goals for his country, Messi departs as Argentina’s all-time leading appearance maker and goalscorer. During the 2026 World Cup, he netted eight times to bring his career total in world tournaments to 21 goals, placing him second on the all-time tournament scoring list behind France’s Kylian Mbappé, who holds 22 goals.
Father's Death Reinforces Messi's Decision to Retire
Although the retirement text was initially drafted on July 21, 2026—just two days after the World Cup final—Messi waited until August 31 to release it publicly. In his statement, he revealed that the recent passing of his father reinforced his certainty that the moment to step away had arrived.
It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in the soul, but I understand that it is the time,
Messi wrote in the published message. I swear that I always gave everything, not only in recent years when we won everything, but before too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to give joys and make you feel proud of being Argentines through football.
Transition to Supporter and Club Focus
The forward acknowledged that his body and mind had given all they could to the national shirt. I emptied myself, I no longer have anything left to give and, besides, great players are coming up behind who deserve to be there,
he stated, adding that he will now transition into supporting the team from the stands. Now I will be one more of you, cheering and supporting always from the outside, in the good times and the bad, much more.
Following his international retirement, Messi continues to play club football in the United States with Inter Miami, never again wearing the number 10 shirt once worn by Maradona.
Monumental Farewell in Buenos Aires
On September 6, 2026, at the legendary Monumental de Nuñez in front of 80,000 people, Messi bid farewell to the Argentina national team reverenced and surrounded by friends, family, and coach Lionel Scaloni. In his final match for the selection, Argentina defeated Benin 3–0, with Messi scoring one goal from a penalty kick against goalkeeper Dandjinou while missing others. Messi departs much greater than when he first arrived as a boy in the youth categories before Spain took him to wear another shirt.
Messi Retires with Record Goals and Titles
When did Lionel Messi announce his retirement from the Argentina national team?
Messi announced his retirement on August 31, 2026, though he noted that the farewell message was originally written on July 21, 2026, following the World Cup final.
What are Messi’s final career statistics with Argentina?
Over his 20-year international career, Messi played 207 matches and scored 125 goals, establishing himself as Argentina’s all-time leader in both categories.
What major titles did Messi win with the Albiceleste?
Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalíssima.
Where does Messi continue his club career?
Messi continues to play for Inter Miami.
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