Lionel Messi has made headlines across India and around the world after announcing his retirement from international football with Argentina. The 39-year-old football legend confirmed his decision on August 31, bringing an emotional end to a remarkable 21-year career with the national team.
Messi said the decision was painful but that he believes the time has come to step away. He leaves Argentina as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
The announcement comes weeks after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Messi had hoped to finish his international career with another World Cup title after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022. He also helped the country win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
Messi revealed that he had written his retirement message shortly after the World Cup final but delayed making it public. His father’s health problems and subsequent death in August influenced the timing of the announcement.
Although Messi will no longer represent Argentina, he continues to play club football for Inter Miami. His international retirement marks the end of one of the greatest eras in Argentine football history.
